The Federal Government of Nigeria, under the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) scheme, has commenced the phased distribution of over a million prepayment meters to Band A electricity consumers in Nigeria.
ConsumerConnect reports the government said the objective of the scheme was to accelerate the deployment of electricity meters and close the current metering gap in the power ecosystem in the West African country.
Close sources indicated that some electricity Distribution Companies have been received allotted meters for onward distribution to power consumers on Band A feeders in their franchise areas.
The MAF and other metering initiatives are said to be part of the Federal Government’s efforts at closing the seven million metering gap in Nigeria.
N20bn metering of unmetered Band A power consumers
It is recalled Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Honourable Minister for Power, June 2024, had disclosed the Ministry earmarked N20billion for the metering of unmetered Band A customers.
Band A electricity consumers are those who get a minimum of 20-hour power supply at N209.50 per kilowatt-hour after the removal of government subsidies.
Adelabu also acknowledged Alhaji Garba Sanusi, Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), had discussed the N20billion with him.
According to the Minister, he agreed with Alhaji Sanusi the the fund be used to procure meters for the Band A consumers still on estimated billing by September 2024.
Adelabu June had stated: “The Chairman of NERC was in my office, Alhaji Garba Sanusi, and we have agreed that we have accrued an N20billion for metering.
“And I said let’s release the N20billion for the DisCos to procure meters for the unmetered Band A customers. Before the end of September, that is going to happen.”
The 3.5 million electricity meters would be supplied by the end of this year to improve revenue for the cash-strapped power sector, noted Adelabu.
He equally stressed that most of the supply would be sourced from international vendors.
The Minister stressed some smaller quantity of meters is expected to be supplied by local manufacturers due to their limited capacity.
Adelabu reportedly said: “This year, two million meters would be procured plus the 1.5 million meters being procured with World Bank support.
“We are going to have 3.5 million meters installed by the year-end.”
It was also gathered the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had announced in Order Number – NERC/2024/072, titled: “Order on the Operationalisation of ‘Tranche A’ of the Meter Acquisition Fund” that N21bn was approved for the meters.
The Commission affirmed the deployment of funds under the Meter Acquisition Fund scheme would enhance the deployment of electricity meters and close the current metering gap.
NERC also noted the move would help in reducing commercial and collection losses to power distribution companies, enhancing the quality of service, and improving customer satisfaction.
DisCos kickstart distribution of prepayment meters
Meanwhile, the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) Tuesday, November 19, announced the commencement of the deployment of 1,880 prepayment meters to Band A customers in its franchise areas.
Blessing Tunoh, Communications Officer at YEDC, stated: “Yola Electricity Distribution Company is pleased to announce the commencement of providing meters under the Meter Acquisition Funds programme.
“This initiative, targeting unmetered Band A customers within YEDC’s franchise area, is part of our ongoing efforts to provide accurate billing and improve customer satisfaction.”
The statement noted the 1,880 meters are distributed following the NERC’s approval of the MAF process.
The company also noted the allocation comprises 1,500 single-phase meters and 380 three-phase meters.
YEDC further disclosed the installation would be carried out by approved meter vendors over two weeks, from November 18 to November 30, 2024.
The statement noted: “Importantly, meters procured under this framework will be installed at no cost to YEDC customers.
“We urge all Band A customers to cooperate with the installers visiting their homes and business premises during the metering exercise.
“YEDC is dedicated to enhancing the quality of electricity distribution and ensuring all customers receive reliable and transparent services.”
Similarly, Busolami Tunwase, Spokesperson of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) confirmed the DisCo has also commenced the distribution of prepayment electricity meters.
Tunwase disclosed the company started the deployment of meters to consumers in Ogun State extending the exercise to other states, including Osun and Oyo within its franchise areas, The Punch report said.
The Spokesperson stated: “We have started, but we are doing it In batches.
“We are starting with our Ogun region for a few Band A customers.”
The Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC), based in Lagos State, but with franchise areas in parts of Lagos and Ogun States, however, said the company had not received the MAF meters from the Federal Government, according to report.
Kingsley Okotie, Spokesperson of Ikeja Electric, said: “Not yet, we are still expecting the meters.”