Government inaugurates 50,000 pre-paid meters for Sokoto State

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Raji Fashola, and Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, have inaugurated 50,000 pre-paid meters purchased by the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company( KAEDCO) for distribution to customers within Sokoto state.

Speaking at the event, which took place at the premises of the State Independent Power Project (IPP), Tambuwal said the new pre-paid meters would curb the menace of the usually controversial estimated billing system.

The governor said the new pre-paid meter would make for more prudent use of power by the residents.According to him, the pre-paid meters billing system is efficient and reliable, and advised the distribution company to roll it out across the state.

On efforts by his administration to boost power supply in Sokoto, Tambuwal disclosed that 172 transformers have been purchased for installation to boost power supply across the state.

He added: “The state government’s IPP will also soon come on stream, in partnership with KAEDCO.’’Tambuwal added said that, the state government has undertaking myriad of interventions to augment power supply to the state.

He disclosed that, the state government was collaborating with the Nigeria Energy Support Programme, to tap the abundant renewable energy sources in the state.

These, according to the Governor, include sources of energy like wind and solar energy, as well hydro -power potentials at Goronyo Dam, among others.

Fashola said the pre-paid billing system would curb losses to the power firms, occasioned by their inability to collect due rates.He said the new meters would eradicate the use of unmeasured electricity by the customers.

“That problem increases waste, while the purchase of the meters abroad always takes its toll on the nation’s volatile foreign reserves. They will therefore ensure fair billing system, as well as enhance regular power supply,’’ Fashola added.

The chairman of KAEDCO, Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar, commended Fashola for optimally facilitating the power sector reforms.He also hailed Tambuwal for his uncommon commitment to the issue of power in the country.

He enumerated the franchise states of the firm to include Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi.

Governor Tambuwal had also inaugurated 1000 motorcycles for the firm’s Sales Representatives and metering officials in the four states.
The ceremony was attended by the Sokoto Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, heads of agencies and other stakeholders in the power sector.