MAP exercise gathers momentum from August –NERC

The Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC), has said the Metering Assets Providers (MAP) process implementation will be pursued vigorously from August 1.

In a series of tweets on its official Twitter handle, @NERCNG, NERC said necessary arrangements have already been concluded to make the plan a reality.

According to the electricity sector regulator, it will monitor implementation through regular reports from the MAP, and Discos on deployment and implementation, adding that regular visits will be made “to confirm the actual installation of meters”.

The MAP implement started on May 1, 2019.

Two payment options have been provided for upfront and installment but the emphasis is on upfront payment, NERC said.

“Electricity customers are advised to visit their Discos for details on how to get meters through MAPs”.

In an official statement issued last year, NERC said the regulation is expected to fast track a closure of the metering gap and encourage the development of independent and competitive meter services in the electricity industry.

The statement, which was issued by the NERC’s Head of Public Affairs, Dr Usman Abba Arabi said: “The electricity distribution companies, in line with their licensing terms and conditions, are obliged to achieve their metering targets as set by the commission under the new regulation.

“The contracting of Meter Asset Providers shall be through an open, transparent and competitive bid process thus ensuring that meters are provided at a least cost to electricity customers.

“It is to be noted that there are no free meters even under the current tariff regime as all customers, including those on estimated billing, currently pay for a return on the investment made by electricity distribution companies on meters in their networks.

“Under the new MAP regulation, customer classes shall be amended to ensure that customers only pay for meters when a meter is physically installed in their premises. The electricity bill of customers provided with a meter under the new regulatory framework shall comprise of two (2) parts – energy charge and metering service charge.

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