By KUNLE KALEJAYE

The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC has commenced the N50, 000 new pre-paid meter scheme, under the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI).

The NERC in a statement made available to Vanguard also mandated Electricity Distribution Companies, (DISCOs) across the country to commence full implementation of the scheme.

According to Dr. Sam Amadi, Chairman, NERC, CAPMI provides a platform for willing customers to pay the cost of the meter into a dedicated account jointly managed by the DISCO and meter Vendor/Installer, adding that once payment has been effected, the customer will have their meter installed within 45 days, by an accredited Vendor/Installer.

He said, “The cost of the meters was arrived at using the standard market price plus the most efficient installation costs. The DISCOs submitted data based on costs submitted by the DISCOs during the MYTO review, as well as review of prices supplied by local manufacturers.

“In arriving at a list of meter Vendors and Installers of meters to partake in the CAPMI scheme, the commission followed a comprehensive due process by first advertising, and inviting the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to supervise the process of certification based on the Metering Code.

“Consultations were also held with various stakeholders including preferred bidders, would be vendors and installers and Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) as well as the financial institutions to agree on the framework and logistics of implementing the scheme. In selecting successful applicants, the Commission gave emphasis to local firms as a way of localizing and promoting local content in the sector.”

The Commission has also signed an order mandating DISCOs to supply meters paid for by customers dating back to January 2011.

According to Amadi, it is regrettable that customers paid for meters and not supplied with same months even years after.