By Ediri Ejoh

In response to overwhelming customers’ demand for pre-payment meters, the management of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, said it has rolled out the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation, CAPMI scheme.

The initiative, according to the company, is in line with the directives of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, to enable customers obtain smart meters.

In a statement made available to  Vanguard, EEDC spokesman, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, said the scheme provides customers the option of advancing funds to the company to accelerate the purchase and installation of their meters within 45 days.

The statement read in part: “We are currently offering two types of meters; they are: single phase smart meter with split unit, and 3-Phase smart meter with split unit.

“The cost of acquiring the meter and meter box will be paid back to the customers in form of energy recharge, over a period of 36 months, at 12% interest rate. However, customers are expected to vend at least once a month, while energy (pay back) will be credited monthly.

“Also, after adequate assessment of the customer’s premises, the Engineers will determine the appropriate meter that will be installed for the customers.”

He further urged customers to take advantage of the CAPMI programme and ensure to visit the nearest EEDC District offices to obtain the requisite application form(s), adding that no additional payment should be made to EEDC or its staff for the acquisition and installation of the meters.