The Electricity Consum
ers Association of Nigeria (ECAN) has blamed Distribution Companies (DISCOs) for the delay in metering consumers with prepaid meters.
Mr Goodluck Enyinna, President of ECAN, told the reporters that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had directed the companies to provide meters for consumers within 18 months.
“Distribution companies have failed to heed to NERC’s instruction which says that within 18 months, starting from June 1, 2012, all electricity distribution companies should provide prepaid meters to all consumers,“he said.
According to him, this would have ended the issue of estimated bill as consumers will only pay for what they consumed.
He warned that the association would not guarantee the safety of the companies’ staff who would collect money for electricity bill at the end of the month.
Enyinna reiterated consumers’ readiness to continue to pay for electricity as long as there was stable supply.
“Electricity consumers in Nigeria are ready to pay and will not complain much, as long as they see light at least twenty days in a month,“he said.
He decried the response time of distribution companies operational complaint unit to attend to consumers’ complaints.
The president advised consumers to ensure they registered with distribution companies under Credit Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) scheme to avoid being exploited.
CAPMI is a scheme that allows electricity consumers to advance distribution companies with funds for the purchase and installation of meters for their premises.
Under this arrangement, amount paid by consumers are spread over two years and attracts 14 per cent interest to be paid by the service consumer.
“Consumers should go and register for Credit Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) to avoid being exploited by the Discos who find it convenient and exploitative to adopt estimated billing.