Electricity Consumers are Expressing their dismay over the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Increasing the Cost of Electricity Meters by 40% under the Meter Assets Programme (MAP).
The Commission recently Raised the Prices of Single-phase Meters by 39.74%, from N58,661.69 to N81,975.16. Additionally, three-phase Meter Prices surged by 31.13%, from N109,684.36 to N143,836.10.
NERC, in an Order Signed by its Chairman, Sanusi Garba, and the Commissioner for Legal, Licensing, and compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, cited Significant changes in Macroeconomic Indicators like Inflation and Foreign Exchange rates as reasons for the Meter Price review.
The Commission considered Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to set the new Prices.
NERC aims to Ensure fair and reasonable Meter Pricing, prevent excessive Charges for End-users, and enable MAPs to recover reasonable Costs while Maintaining a Viable return on Investment.
However, Consumers argue that Meter Provision is the Sole responsibility of Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).
They contend that passing the burden of Meter procurement to Consumers is unjust, especially since Consumers have already agreed to this arrangement.
The Chairman of the Electricity Consumers Association, Chijoke James, Insists that Consumers should not be Exploited, given that Meters are Vital Assets for DisCos.
James calls on NERC to end Estimated Billing and compel DisCos to Provide Meters for all Consumers, as this is their Statutory duty.
