Oil & Energy
AEDC, Three MAP Vendors Begin 900,000 Meter Sales
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and three Meter Asset Provider (MAP) vendors have launched the sales of 900,000 meters for electricity users across Kogi, Abuja, Nasarawa and Niger states for the next 36 months.
The Managing Director of AEDC, Engr. Ernest Mupwaya during the ceremony held at River Park Estate in Abuja on Friday said the vendors are Mojec International, Turbo Energy and Meron.
While Mojec will install and maintain meters for AEDC customers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Kogi State, Turbo Energy will do same for customers in Niger, and Meron will handle customers in Nasarawa state.
Reports say that customers would pay about N37,000 for a single phase meter and N67,000 for three phase meter.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directed the 11 Distribution Companies (DisCos) to begin the sales of the meter to through their approved vendors since May 1, but AEDC is the first to start by May 10, launching it simultaneously in Lugbe (FCT), Keffi (Nasarawa State) and Minna (Niger state).
On the customer target, Mupwaya said, “In all, 900,000 customers have been scheduled for metering in AEDC franchise area. Being a moving target, we are aware that the number may increase and as it does, the vendors will take them by 100 per cent.
This project is expected to last for 36 months.” With this metering scheme, Mupwaya said AEDC was hopeful of ending the era of estimated billing, complaints of over-billing while ensuring energy accountability.
The Chairman of NERC, Prof. James Momoh said that the MAP programme is an intervention to eliminate estimated billing and guarantee more revenue for the power sector because survey shows Nigerians are willing to pay for what they consume.
Momoh who was represented by the General Manager, Finance and Management Services, Abdulkadir Shettima directed AEDC and the vendors to ensure meters are installed within 10 days after payment noting that sanctions apply by deducting money from the Performance Guarantee bond posted by the vendors.
“If a meter is faulty, it must be replaced within two days or MAP will face the sanction,” he said, adding that if there is power outage for two weeks, metered customers on installment payment plan should not pay the Meter Service Charge (MSC).
Managing Director of Mojec International, Ms Chantelle Abdul said the company has over 20,000 meters in stock to start sales for Kogi and the FCT. It also unveiled about six banks that customers could go to for meter financing so they can buy the meters on loans.
As part of the restructuring, the company said it had promoted high-performing employees, released retiring staff, and disengaged others whose performance fell below expected standards.
It added that it has also begun implementing a comprehensive employee development and customer management plan to strengthen its service delivery framework.
“In line with its corporate transformation strategy, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company has announced a restructuring exercise aimed at delivering improved services to its customers as well as enhanced operational efficiency and excellence.
“The restructuring is in line with our strategic direction to become a more responsive and efficient organisation, capable of delivering world-class service to our customers.
“As part of the transformation, the Company has promoted high-performing staff, released retiring employees and those performing below par, and has put in motion the implementation of a robust employee development and customer management plan aimed at driving AEDC’s customer-centric focus,” the company said.
AEDC noted that the reforms are part of its broader commitment to provide reliable, safe, and sustainable electricity to customers across its franchise areas, including the Federal Capital Territory and the states of Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa.
The firm further pledged to continue investing in infrastructure upgrades, digital technologies, and operational innovations to improve service reliability and customer satisfaction.
“With a strong commitment to delighting its customers, AEDC continues to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria’s energy sector through investments in infrastructure, innovative technologies, and sustainable practices.
“AEDC consistently seeks to improve the quality of life for its customers, promote efficient energy usage, and actively engage with its communities,” the statement added.
Nwoko who is also the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, said that forensic reviews show over S22b, S81b and S200b remained unaccounted for across different audit periods.
“I remain committed, alongside my colleagues, to ensuring accountability, recovery, and reform within the oil and gas sector.
Nwoko stated that the Committee had earlier presented its interim report before the senate saying “Our investigation has so far uncovered massive revenue losses amounting to over $300 billion in unaccounted crude oil proceeds over the years.
“This represents one of the most troubling cases of economic sabotage our nation has ever faced.
“We have made far-reaching recommendations to end this long-standing menace.
“There is need for strict enforcement of international crude oil measurement standards at all production and export points.
He urged the federal government to mandate the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to deploy modern, tamper-proof measuring technology or return this function to the Department of Weights and Measures under the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
The senator called for the deployment of advanced surveillance systems, including drones, to assist security agencies in combating oil theft.
He also called for the creation of a Special Court for Crude Oil Theft to ensure swift prosecution of offenders and their collaborators, saying it would also go a long way in tackling the challenge.
“We must also ensure the full implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to empower local communities and reduce sabotage.
“Ceding abandoned oil wells to the NUPRC for allocation to modular refineries to support local production and job creation is also very vital in fighting the menace of oil theft and sabotage,” Nwoko further said.