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NERC increases meter prices

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday revealed that it has adjusted the price of a single phase meter from N58,661.69 to N81,975.16.

Similarly, it adjusted the price of the three phase meter from N109,684.36 to N143,836.10.

The adjustments are contained in the ORDER NO: NERC/2024/040 that the commission's Chairman, Engr. Sanusi Garba and Commissioner Legal and Licensing Compliance, Barrister Dafe Akpeneye issued yesterday.

The title of the order is "The deregulation of meter prices for meters deployed under the Meter Asset Provider Scheme."

The Chairman and Commissioner said the Meter Asset Provider and National Mass Metering Regulations (the“Regulations”) provide for the metering of end-use customers of successor electricity distribution licensees (“DisCos”). Section 8(1 )(c) of the Regulations provides that “the cost of single phase and three phase meters for MAPs, inclusive of all other associated costs of installation and warranties shall continue to be at the regulated rates approved by the Commission”.

NERC said the Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) and Local Meter Manufacturers Associations (LMMAs) have requested a further review of meter prices in consideration of significant changes in NGN/USD foreign exchange rate and inflation rate since the last price review in September 2023, and the significant changes in these macroeconomic variables has constrained their ability to supply meters at the approved regulated price.

Garba and Akpeneye said the commission has noted the need for the efficient pricing of meters to respond more quickly to changes in macroeconomic parameters, particularly exchange rates.

"The Commission has further taken cognisance of the constraints/challenges faced by MAPs and LMMAs and therefore approved the deregulation of prices of meters deployed under the MAP scheme with effect from 1 May 2024."

NERC said: "The commission hereby orders: with effect from 1 May 2024, all prices of meters under the MAP scheme shall be determined through a competitive bidding process with customers provided with a choice of authorised vendors.

"The combined effects of sections 8(1 )(c), 8(1 )(d), 16(1 )(h), 31 and 32(1 )(b) of the Regulations on the regulated pricing of meters deployed under the MAP scheme is hereby derogated.

"The cost of prices of meters deployed under the MAP scheme is HEREBY DEREGULATED to enable end use customers acquire meters from MAPs."

NERC noted that the choice is based on competitive open market prices determined from transparent bidding frameworks.

The order noted that all MAP permits holders are henceforth eligible to provide services and transact for the provision of meters and metering services with any DisCo in the Federal Republic of Nigeria with their existing permit.

According to the commission, the lifting of the restriction on permitting to operate in all DisCos is subject to the mandatory requirement for MAPs to comply with the associated DisCo specific requirements/specifications.

The commission added that all DisCos shall ensure the effective and seamless integration of smart meters deployed by MAPs with the DisCo’s head-end systems and meter data management systems.

It further noted that all DisCos shall provide a publicly accessible online portal on their website where prospective MAPs can view the DisCo’s technical specifications and commercial terms for participation as a MAP within its network area.

Garba and Akpeneye said all DisCos are required to conduct a thorough test and confirmation of specifications for new meters proposed by a prospective MAP and concluded no later than 20 working days from the date the proposed MAP fulfills all the requirements specified on the online portal to participate within its network area.

They insisted that "Where a meter fails the confirmation test, the DisCo shall immediately notify the MAP stating the points of failure. Meters to be deployed under the MAP scheme may include other types of meters including basic electronic meters, Internet of Things (loT) meters, DIN Rail meters and Current Limiters but subject to full compliance with the NESI Metering Code and the requirements/specifications of DisCos. "The type of the meter applicable to a customer under the MAP scheme shall be at the discretion of the DisCo having regard to the customer energy consumption profile.

"The pricing of meters under the MAP scheme is hereby deregulated but subject to an open transparent competition amongst MAP permit holders.

"The Commission shall, in the interim, manage the process of submitting price offers valid for one month (or as may be determined by the Commission) for meters deployed under the MAP scheme to engender transparency and competition based on the following bid process:

"All MAP Permit holders wishing to participate in each competitive bidding cycle shall, no later than five days prior to the commencement of the process, provide verifiable evidence confirming the availability of a minimum stock of 2,000 units of meters. This is a mandatory eligibility requirement for participation in the bidding process."