OpeOluwani Akintayo
25 December 2017, Sweetcrude, Lagos – The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, and electricity distribution companies or Discos have commenced the licensing processes of meter manufacturers to aid the ongoing metering processes across the country.
According to the Meter Asset Providers, MAP regulations 2017 just released by NERC, the commission said its decision on the meter procurement draft, is in the exercise of its powers under section 96 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, and all other powers enabling it in that regard.
The draft empowers the DisCos to conduct and conclude the procurement process for the engagement of MAP within 120 calendar days of coming into effect of the regulation.
With the MAP regulation 2017 released on December 20th, means that the DisCos are already four days into the bidding rounds, with 116 days to go.
After the bidding has been concluded and names of winners submitted to NERC, the commission said it will then engage the services of a tender auditor to audit the conduct and results of the DisCo’s procurement process for the engagement of the MAP
Upon completion of the evaluation of bids, the successful bidder is expected to submit an application for the grant of a MAP license to the NERC, after which it would grant a license.
However, NERC added that issuance of the license would still be subject to the satisfactory compliance with the minimum qualification criteria and procurement processes provided in the MAP regulation.
According to NERC, the tenure of MAP license will be for 15 years in the first instance.
Subject to the commission’s approval of the procurement process and grant of a MAP license, the DisCos will then enter into Meter Service Agreement with the successful bidder.