FACTSHEET FOR CREDITED ADVANCE PAYMENT FOR METERING IMPLEMENTATION
The factsheet is to serve as a guide to ensure that messaging is accurate and consistent.

1. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission – NERC, after due consultation with stakeholders has developed a new accelerated scheme for electricity meter deployment, known as Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation – CAPMI
2. The scheme became necessary due to high level of complaints received from customers and dissatisfaction with the current estimated billing practices.
3. Under this CAPMI scheme, customers who are willing to participate will be required to advance the cost of the meter and associated installation costs approved by NERC.
4. Once the money is advanced, the customer and will get a meter installed within 45 days of payment. The amount to be paid by the customer will depend on the type of meter installed. No profit shall be made by the DISCO in the supply of the meters.
5. DISCOs shall refund the customer only the cost of the actual meter and meter box, customers are to bear the cost of accessories and installation.
6. The refund due to customers shall be with 12% interest and will be done through a reduction of 100% of the monthly fixed charge component of their electricity bill. The maximum period shall be three years or as determined by the Commission from time to time.
7. Any monies advanced for meter installation under the CAPMI scheme are to be deposited in dedicated bank accounts, jointly controlled by the DISCO and the vendor/installer of the meters. No official of the DISCO is authorized to receive any payments in this regard.
8. In arriving at a list of meter Vendors and Installers of meters to partake in the CAPMI scheme, NERC followed a comprehensive due process by first advertising, and inviting the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to supervise the process of certification based on the Metering Code. Consultations were also held with various stakeholders including preferred bidders, would be vendors and installers and Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) as well as the financial institutions to agree on the framework and logistics of implementing the scheme.
9. Also in selecting at successful applicants, the Commission gave emphasis to local firms as a way of localizing and promoting local content in the sector.
10. The CAPMI scheme is not compulsory, but it is open to all customers who are interested and are willing to participate.
11. The CAPMI scheme will not replace the existing meter rollout programme of the respective DISCOs where no upfront payment is required. Both activities will run side by side with each other.
12. The CAPMI scheme is designed to be a rapid response to customers who are not willing to wait in line for the DISCOs to supply meters following their regular meter rollout programme, which is oftentimes slow.
13. The cost of the meters was arrived at using the standard market price plus the most efficient installation costs. The DISCOs submitted data based on costs submitted by the DISCOs during the MYTO review, as well as review of prices supplied by local manufacturers
14. CAPMI will not affect customers who are not willing to participate. Such customers should apply for meters as usual, and will be attended to by the DISCO.
15. NERC will closely monitor the implementation of the new meter scheme to protect customers from abuse.
16. Customer Complaints: Steps Customers should follow when lodging complaints:

STEP 1 Customer Care Units Customers should contact their local Customer Care Units, located within the DISCO
STEP 2 Forum Customers who are not satisfied with the response of the CCU should contact the NERC Forum.
Area Address Telephone Email
Ikeja 199 Obafemi Awolowo Way, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos 08106807298 ikejaforum@nercng.org

Eko 24/25 Marina, Lagos 08106807261 ekoforum@nercng.org

STEP 3 NERC The last port of call for customers with unresolved complaints is NERC Headquarters. Customers can call the hotline: 09-4621414 or email info@nercng.org

17. Customers who are unhappy with service should lodge complaints with Customer Care Units nearest to them.
18. Customers who are not satisfied with the response of the Customer Care Unit of their electricity company should get in touch with the nearest Forum. If still not satisfied, customers can then contact NERC as follows: email on info@nercng.org or call 09-462 1414.
19. Customers are reminded not to allow for any exchange of cash between them and staff of their DISCO for the supply and installation of meters, in any circumstance.