28 July 2013, Abuja – Irked by the poor progress so far made in the installation of prepaid electricity meters, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said it would bar distribution companies (Discos) which failed to comply with its directive from collecting the new electricity tariff which came into effect in July, 2012.
Consequently, a 14-day ultimatum has been issued to Discos that are in violation of its order to submit a list of all customers who paid for meters since January 2011, and commence metering them immediately or lose the right to collect the new tariff.
“Any DISCO that does not comply with this new directive will be barred from collecting the new electricity tariff,” chairman of the Commission, Dr Sam Amadi,said. He warned that erring chief executive officers may be removed, according to a statement yesterday.
Upon commencement of the new tariff on July 1 2012, the Commission promised that electricity consumers would be metered within 18 months period to ensure that they pay for what they consume. It was also said that consumers would be metered at no extra cost because the new tariff covers the cost of metering.
When this failed, the Credit Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI), a policy which allows for willing customers to pay for meters and in return be given electricity credit until the cost of the meter has been recovered was initiated.
*Juliet Alohan, Leadership