The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) on Thursday
in Asaba, Delta State, launched a media campaign to sensitise customers in the
state on the new metering system under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme
and other issues related to its operation.
The company stated that the new metering system is
in line with the objective of MAP regulations by the National Electricity
Regulation Commission (NERC) designed to ensure standardisation of consumption
measuring rules in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) in the
country.
Aside from promoting investment towards independent
and competitive meter services, MAP is expected to address the nagging problem
of estimated billing practices in the power supply system in Nigeria, the
company stated.
In an address at the flag-off of the exercise at
the BEDC Business Unit in Asaba, the company Executive Director (Commercial),
Mr. Abu Ejoor, said five MAPs for the state were selected from the company's
procurement process under the supervision of NERC, which also gave approval.
They include G. Unit Engineering, Sabrud Consortium
Nigeria, Inlaks Power Solution, FLT Energy Systems and Turbo Energy companies.
While unveiling the take-off locations in the state
beginning with the state capital, Ejoor disclosed that the metering process in
Delta State would take two years with 200,200 three-phase and single-phase
meters expected to be distributed across the state during the period.
Under the new system, prepaid meter boxes would be
mounted on electric poles at a maximum of six meters per pole while control and
recharge would be done with a remote control device, Ejoor further revealed,
and sued for the cooperation of consumers to ensure successful enumeration
metering of customers.
The executive director, who was in company with
state directors of Delta and Edo States, said: “A total number of 200,200
meters will be rolled out in Delta State in the next two years with monthly
cumulative average of around 10,000 units.
“Our customers are required to complete the customer
data and the survey form, after which the MAP officials will assess the
customer's premises in readiness for metering.”
Once a customer is duly cleared, payment would then
be made using customised bank teller before a meter is installed, Ejoor further
said, as he warned against payments other than to designated banks.
He said: “We advise customers not to give cash to
either MAP or BEDC staff, and to pay only to bank accounts designated by the
Meter Asset Provider. After payment confirmation, the customer will then be
metered within a stipulated time of about 10 days.”
On the common incidence of vandalising of electricity
installation, particularly on cables and transformers, Ejoor absolved BEDC of
blame, saying the electrocution of a suspected vandal in Asaba last week showed
that its workers were not responsible for such criminal acts, which often cause
disruption of electricity supply.
No comments:
Post a Comment