NERC moves to end estimated billings, licenses meter providers for Ikeja, Benin Discos

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said it has issued permits to Meter Asset Providers (MAP) of Ikeja and Benin Discos in accordance with Section 4(3) of the MAP regulations.

A statement by NERC’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Dr. Usman Arab, in Abuja, yesterday, said the permit was granted to the MAPs that were successful in the procurements conducted by Ikeja and Benin DisCos.Arab said Section 4(3) of the 2018 MAP regulations required all electricity distribution licensees to engage MAPs that would assist as investors to close the metering gap and eliminate the estimated billing in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

He stated that Ikeja DisCo has appointed Mojec International Limited to provide 399,790 meters, Consolidated Infrastructure Group Limited is to provide 397,922 meters, while New Hamshire Capital Limited would supply 276,699 meters within its coverage areas under MAP.He said Benin Disco has appointed FLT Energy System Limited, G-Unit Engineering Limited, Inlaks Power Solution Limited, Sabrud Consortium Nigeria Limited and Turbo Energy Limited to provide meters within its coverage areas.

Arab said NERC has directed that the roll out of meters shall begin on May 1, noting that Ikeja and Benin Discos should expect installation of the meters within 10 working days of making payment to MAPs in accordance with Section 18 (3) of the MAP regulations.

According to him, MAPs shall charge an upfront of N36, 991.50 for single phase meters and N67, 055.85 for three phase meters, adding: “These costs of meters are inclusive of supply, installation, maintenance and replacement of meters over its technical life.“The commission shall monitor closely, the roll out plan of distribution licensees and overall compliance with the regulations and various service agreements by the MAP and electricity distribution licensees.”