THE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed the electricity distribution company, (DisCos) to conduct and complete the enumeration of customers for meter in their various franchise area, by March 31st, 2019. In 2016, the DisCos conducted massive enumeration of unmetered customers with a view to supplying meters, thus phasing out the controversial estimated billings. “The gap not only exceeds the 1.7 million metering obligation specified in the DisCos’ performance agreement, out of which the DisCos have delivered 88 percent of their metering obligation and the 2.7 million metering gap at the handover of the DisCos but exceeds the allowance for total capital expenditure-N305 billion for 11 DisCos , over five years. Although he stressed that the DisCos have the obligation to meter all its consumers, the law does not vest a monopoly of meter supply on them. “If the customers and DisCos reach agreements within themselves where the customers assume the responsibility of the DisCo so be it.

Source: Nigerian Tribune January 16, 2019 17:03 UTC