Mr. Felix Ofolue, the Head, Corporate Communications Unit of Ikeja Electic (IE), on Wednesday said lack of funds was slowing down effective metering of customers on its network.

Ofolue disclosed this on Friday in Lagos. Electricity consumers have continued to complain about the high estimated billings and lack of access to prepaid meters five years after the reform of the sector. Ofolue said the current economic situation was also affecting “our plans and slowing down the pace of metering. However, we have just launched another massive campaign which is the first batch of the metering campaign.”

“We at IE have announced the commencement of the distribution of single and three phase prepaid meters across our network as part of our promise to ensure that our customers are metered, thereby reducing the incidence of estimated billing. Indications are that over 85,000 meters may be installed in the first rollout phase which will take place concurrently across the six business units in IE’s coverage area,’’ he said.

The IE spokesman said that the rollout was different from the Meter Asset Provision Regulation (MAPS) roll out agenda, “which follows NERCs MAP approval by the Federal Government set to commence towards the end of the year.” Ofolue however said that though the meter was free, customers might have to bear installation cost.

Source: P.M. News