GILBERT EKUGBE
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC’s) Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) scheme kicks off today.
According to a statement issued by NERC, the scheme is coming on the heels of the high level of complaints from customers and dissatisfaction with the current estimated billing practices.
NERC has also given a directive to electricity distribution companies (Discos) to commence implementation of CAPMI
NERC said 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, stressing that once payment has been effected, the customer will have their meter installed within 45 days, by a NERC accredited Vendor/Installer.
The Chairman NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi explained that “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 a review of prices supplied by local manufacturers”
He added that in arriving at a list of meter vendors and installers of meters to partake in the CAPMI scheme, NERC 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.
The NERC boss said 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,” he said.
In a related development, the Commission has also signed an order mandating DISCOs to supply meters paid for by customers dating back to January 2011. Amadi said: “It is regrettable that customers paid for meters and not supplied with same months even years after. This is double jeopardy considering that meters ought to have been supplied to them free once they paid bills. The Commission had to take January 2011 as a deadline for a number of reasons. Nevertheless, we are working on measures to ensure that customers who paid before January 2011 are metered within the shortest possible time.”
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