₦airaland Forum

INTRODUCTION
It is no longer news that the plans by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the various Distribution Companies in Nigeria to meter Nigerian electricity consumers through third parties, known as Meter Assets Providers (MAPs) get closer to its flag off date, being May 1st, 2019.

As announced by NERC and re-echoed severally by the other relevant stakeholders, single phase meters are billed to be sold to Nigerians at a whopping sum of about 37,000 Naira while 3 phased meters is expected to cost about 67,000 Naira.

THE NEW METERING PROJECT
Nigerians have over the years suffered and cried over estimated or what is popularly called 'crazy bills", which propelled the need for the various stakeholders, led by NERC to come up with this project. This makes the project a welcome development.

Indeed, it is worth celebrating, but the celebration is being hampered by the proposed outrageous costs of these meters. I recall that before the Discos were mandated to give out meters free to Nigerians, a prepaid meter was sold for about 25,500 Naira for the single phase, while the 3 phased meter cost about 39,000 Naira- over Fifty percent increase!!! So, the differences between the erstwhile prices and the proposed prices are very clear. What I want to ask is, why the astronomical increase? How did NERC and its allies arrived at the stated prices? Were the consumers carried along in arriving at these prices? Was the present economic condition of the average Nigerian, most of who cannot adequately cater for thier immediate needs and that of thier dependants, taken into account?

How many Nigerians, particularly the rural dwellers can afford to buy a prepaid meter for such outrageous prices?

The above are very pertinent questions that beg for answers, particularly so, when is further viewed that these meters Nigerians are being asked to pay for, will become properties of the Discos after installation. So, why are Nigerians being asked to pay for meters to be owned and used to generate income by the Discos? How is it done in other climes?

If at all Nigerians must buy prepaid meters, why can't the prepaid markets be an open one, where an electricity consumers goes to the market, buy a meter, take it to the Discos for quality assurance check and configuration, then install same for the consumer if the meter meets the necessary quality assurance check?

UNUSUAL SILENCE
Even the voices of the segment of Nigerians that ought to cry against these outrageous prices are quiet. Does this silence means Nigerians must live with the reality that the arrangement and the prices have been agreed on, by all? What assurance do Nigerians get from the proponents of these metering projects and thier willing allies that these prices would not be increased, maybe after a while or indiscriminately in the nearest future?

GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION
I think, this is where the government of Nigeria has to come in, through its various agents to prevent the ripping off of the Nigerian electricity consumers.

Firstly, there's must be law by the National Assembly to regulate this metering system, because mere policy pronouncement and directives or regulations by NERC cannever stop these power distribution companies and the MAPS from taking advantage of the poor and defencelss Nigerians.

Secondly, if the prices have to be accepted, I suggest that the Federal Government of Nigeria should come and subsidize these prices, particularly in the rural areas or across the nation. This is to ensure that the burden of these outrageous prices on Nigerians are mitigated.

CONCLUSION:
Thirdly, I think the labour and civil society organisations and all Nigerians should arise and engage constructively, with the proponents and drivers of this project in order for Nigerians not to fall victim to economic exploitation. We must all together arrive at reasonable prices for the meters and not the prices manufactured out by the companies and forced down on Nigerians.

Opinion from:
Tunde Badejo,
A blogger, Philosopher, Safety Practitioner and Political Analyst.

Good write up

Amuocha:
Good write up

Thank you