NERC: Prepaid meters to go round in one year

Nigerians will be hopeful that the introduction of this new framework can bring in the much needed changes in the quality of power supply

The new electricity set-up has the capacity to ensure the distribution of prepaid meters to all existing consumers within one year.

This is according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), who made this known on Monday, as power distribution companies began the implementation of the new tariffs plan which was increased by over 45 per cent.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, the Acting Head, NERC, Dr Anthony Akah said, “The new tariff, besides eliminating fixed charge, has a robust mechanism to ensure that the distribution companies fully meter their consumers and eliminate ‘crazy’ billing within one year.’’

READ: Now pay as you consume for Electricity

This is happening amidst protest from labour unions and a standing order giving by the House of Representatives in 2015, instructing that NERC should not initiate any upward review of the tariffs until it had concluded the probe of the power sector.

According to the Executive Director, Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, Sunday Oduntan, said that the new tariff regime took effect as from 12am on Monday.

He said, “We have done the needful. We have done what we are supposed to do with regard to the law. We will not allow any human being in this country to set this country back by going ahead with frivolous legal action and we are ready to face any consequence; that I can tell you. All the years of setback are gone. This sector must work.”

Nigerians will be hopeful that the introduction of this new framework can bring in the much needed changes in the quality of power supply.