Consortium, three other firms to commence roll-out of 1.4m meters

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6 years ago

IN line with provisions of the Meter Asset Providers(MAPs) 2018 Regulations, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission(NERC) has permitted MAPs to commence roll-out of 1.4million meters to electricity customers.

The MAPs including a consortium and three other firms emerged upon successful procurements conducted by Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc (AEDC) and Jos Electricity Distribution Company Plc (JEDC).

They are Mojec International Limited, Meron Consortium and Turbo Engineering Limited.

Others are Triple 7 and Mojec International Limited.

This was disclosed in a statement issued at the weekend in Abuja and signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs, Dr Usman Arabi.

It reads: “The AEDC appointed Mojec International Limited, Meron Consortium and Turbo Engineering Limited to provide 487,000, 213,000 and 200,000 meters respectively while JEDC appointed the Triple 7 and Mojec International Limited consortium to provide 500,000 meters.

It also directed that: “the rollout should commence on the 1st of May 2019 adding that Customers of AEDC and JEDC should expect from the commencement of rollout date for meters to be installed in their premises within 10 working days of making payment to MAPs in accordance with section 18 (3) of the MAP Regulations 2018.”

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“MAPs shall charge a maximum of N36,991.50 for single phase meters and N67,055.85 for three-phase meters. These costs are inclusive of supply, installation, maintenance and replacement of meters over its technical life.

“The Commission shall monitor closely the rollout plan of distribution licensees and overall compliance with the regulation and various service agreements by the MAP and electricity distribution.”

As contained in the regulations, the main objective of MAPs is to provide standard rules to encourage the development of independent and competitive meter supply services, eliminate estimated billings practices, attract private investment to the provision of metering services, close the metering gap through accelerated meter rollout and enhanced revenue assurance.

The Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Regulation (Regulation No. NERC/R/112), provides for the third-party financing of meters, under a Permit issued by the Commission, and amortisation over a period of 10 years.

The new MAP regulation mandates the investors to acquire a minimum of 30 per cent of their metering volume from indigenous meter manufacturers in line with the promotion of local content.

This, however, may be adjusted by the Commission from time to time in line with the verified manufacturing volume of local manufacturers.

The eleven (11) electricity distribution companies were expected to, within 120 days from the effective date of the regulation; engage the services of MAPs towards the achievement of their 3-year metering targets prescribed by the Commission.