How Nigeria Can Narrow  Metering Gap-Balogun

Chairman, Momas Electricity Meter Manufacturing Company (MEMMCOL), Mr. Kola Balogun, has emphasized the need for Nigeria to narrow the metering gap in the country.

Balogun,who gave the advice in an interview with journalists, urged  the Federal Government has been urged to give nod to the quest of indigenous companies to sell prepaid meters directly to customers in order to bridge the huge metering gap in the country.

He  bemoaned the bureaucratic bottlenecks electricity consumers go through to purchase prepaid meters from distribution companies (DISCOs).

He added:“There are some people who cannot wait until the DisCos install meters in their premises. They have their money and want to buy meters but they are passing through a lot of bureaucracy in the hands of the DisCos. Many consumers are frustrated about the estimated billing system and want to get their meters as soon as possible. We have people who have made payments for meters but have not been metered because of various issues,” he said.

He emphasized  the government should select a few tested and trusted manufacturers that have the capacity and endorse them to sell prepaid meters directly to customers with a view to resolving the crisis.

 “We, as manufacturers want NERC to give us the room to sell directly to consumers who will take it to electricity Distribution Companies for installation. They can grant them licences just like banks, telecommunications and insurance companies. It is as simple as that because there is no meter that we produce that doesn’t meet the standard of Nigeria.

“So, if all our locally manufactured meters meet the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) certification, consumers can buy them and take them to the DisCos. This will fast track the metering process. It will be  a win win because it will not only close the metering gap and shore up revenue efficiency of the DisCos, but will also create huge employment opportunities for Nigerians.”

Balogun  lauded the Federal Government for the completion of the Phase Zero of the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) and the support given to local meter manufacturers.