How improved metering of power consumers will address estimated billing system –EKEDC

*Godwin Idemudia, General Manager, Media Communications of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, in Lagos State, discloses the DisCo is currently working on the MAP Scheme, under which consumers can acquire meters within 10 working days of payment confirmation

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In a move to attain higher rate of metered consumers than post-paid, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has said it began aggressive metering under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) and National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) Scheme, to bridge the metering gap within its operational network in Lagos State.

Mr. Godwin Idemudia, General Manager, Media Communications of EKEDC, Friday, October 20,  2022, in Lagos.

Idemudia said that the scheme had enabled the company to have higher metered population than post-paid, agency report said.

EKEDC has ensured that distribution transformers were metered, to allow a robust calculation for customers on estimated billing, pending metering of all customers.

The electricity Distribution Company’s General Manager also noted the NMMP is currently suspended as Phase 1 is yet to commence.

The DisCo is currently working on the MAP Scheme, where consumers can acquire meters within 10 working days of payment confirmation, said he.

Idemudia further stated: “All is to eliminate estimated billing and bridge the metering gap. The more customers that participate in the scheme, the earlier our chances of metering all customers.

“As of the start of the NMMP Phase 0, an initiative of the Federal Government, where meters were provided to customers for free, the goal of the initiative was to meter our entire population within five years (2025).”

Energy theft and related offences

As regards energy theft and other offences within its operational network area, Idemudia said that about 160 people were been convicted, or are still  pending convictions since the inception of power sector privatisation in Nigeria.

The electricity company, he stated, had over 365,255 prepaid consumers, 173,663 post-paid consumers, and 7.65 billion key consumer group.

“We have purchased tools and equipment to aid the speedy restoration of faults in areas with underground cables.

“In addition to that, we are working on replacing the cables, but are pacing ourselves as it is a huge CAPEX investment,” Idemudia said.

The Spokesman as well noted that EKEDC was actively exploring possible partnerships with several entities in order to improve power supply via embedded generation.

A substantial amount of these engagements were at advanced stages and shall be executed in due time, he said.

Idemudia noted that the DisCo’s gender-sensitivity and inclusivity remains a priority for the company.

He stated: “Our managing director, a large number of our top management team and line-workers are female.

“Our culture of female empowerment in the work place cuts across our organisation.

“We are also heavily involved in female empowerment through CSR programmes where we promote STEM, affiliations with agencies such as USAID and women in energy.”