Prepaid Meters: Ikeja Electric, MOJEC begin 24 hours metering initiative
OREDOLA ADEOLA
As part of efforts to accelerate installation of prepaid meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, Ikeja Electric Plc(IE) and MOJEC International, have commenced a one-day metering initiative for willing customers to complete their Know Your Customer (KYC) and get metered within 24 hours.
Felix Ofulue, Head Corporate Communications, Ikeja Electric(IE), revealed this in a statement, adding that the initiative commenced on Tuesday at the company’s Shomolu Business Unit, targeting customers in Ilupeju, Oworo and Igbobi areas of Lagos State.
He disclosed that the programme was carried out in collaboration with MOJEC International, an indigenous meter manufacturing company, as part of efforts to accelerate installation of prepaid meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme.
Recall that Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently reviewed the unit price of end-user meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) and National Mass Metering Regulations, due to macroeconomic parameters.
The IE spokesperson said, the programme is for customers who are willing to make payments for their prepaid meters in order to get metered.
He said “MAP scheme provides a platform for customers who want to make payment to ensure that their premises are metered within a very short time.
“However, Ikeja Electric has completed phase zero of the programme and while awaiting the commencement of the next phase of this Mobile MAP Programme will serve as an alternative for customers who are willing to make payment for meters under the MAP scheme.
“So, we advise customers to take advantage of the initiative by Ikeja Electric and MOJEC to get metered because we are ready to ensure that the process is done and completed within 24 hours,” Ofulue said.
Chantelle Abdul, Group Managing Director, MOJEC International Holdings, said the Mobile MAP scheme was aimed at bringing the metering process closer to people’s doorsteps.
“They don’t need to wait for 10 days as stipulated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
“The MAP scheme is for customers who can afford to pay for meters and don’t want to wait for the NMMP which is the free metering programme.
“We will be going to several places. In fact, Shomolu is our first stop but not the last stop. We are going to set up other business units under Ikeja Electric network within the next few weeks.”
“MOJEC has set itself to provide meters to the end users because metering is critical to both the consumers and the electricity providers.
“I believe that metering creates a trust between the consumer and the electricity Distribution Company and helps to shore up revenue collection efficiency.
Abdul further noted that over 100,000 meters would be installed across the Ikeja Electric network in the coming weeks, while the customers under Shomolu Business Unit are expected to get 10,000 prepaid meters.
The Mojec GMD therefore urged electricity customers under the IE not to allow themselves to be exploited by meter racketeers, who may want to use the scheme to make them pay extra charges for the meters. She also said that meters are available and would cater for substantial numbers of customers.
