Eko Disco begins mass deployment of meter to customers
. Rolls out 100,000 meters in first phase
By Abimbola Abdullahi
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has begun the Federal Government/Discos Mass Metering programme today Friday, October 30, 2020.
The programme, according to the General Manager, Corporate Communications, EKEDC, Godwin Idemudia, commences with the distribution of smart electricity meters to customers at a simultaneous launch events of the scheme in Kano, Kaduna, Ikeja and the Eko Distribution Companies franchise areas.
Idemudia said EKEDC kick-starts its distribution of the electricity meters in Surulere axis, one of the areas within its distribution network.
He noted that the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) is in fulfilment of the Federal Government’s and the Discos commitments to close the metering gap in the country and enhance the revenue collection of Distribution Companies.
He said that under the new arrangement distribution companies are expected to go from location to location with their respective Meter Asset Providers to provide and install meters for their customers.
Eko Electricity is expected to roll-out over 100,000 meters in the first phase of the programme from the locally manufactured companies such as Mojec International Limited and Momas Meter manufacturing company.
Idemudia disclosed that the National Mass Metering Program (NMMP) will increase Nigeria’s metering rate, eliminate estimated billing and strengthen the local meter value chain by increasing local meter manufacturing, assembly and deployment capacity.
He added that the initiative will also reduce collection losses, increase financial flows to achieve 100% market remittance obligations of the Discos and support Nigeria’s economic recovery by creating jobs in the local meter value chain whilst also ensuring customers only pay the exact value for their energy consumption.
He revealed that key stakeholders to monitor the launch of the meter distribution include Lagos State Government representatives, the Senate Committee and House of Representative Chairmen on Power as well as representatives of Organized Labour and Civil Society Organizations.
The National Mass Metering Programme (NNMP) is expected to roll out 6 million meters for all connection points on grid without meters over the next 18 to 24 months and estimated to impact over 30 million consumers nationwide.
The Programme is also a demonstration of the current efforts by the Federal Government to improve power supply and mass metering as part of the agreements recently reached with Organized Labour.
