NERC approves power meter prices to rise, weeks after tariff hike
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A single phase power meter has risen in price N58,661.69 from to N81,975.16 and a three phase from N109,684.36 to N143,836.10 in the latest approval granted by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), less than a month after it hiked power tariff.
The new prices are contained in a directive jointly signed by NERC Chairman Sanusi Garba and Commissioner Legal and Licensing Compliance Dafe Akpeneye.
The NERC explained the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) and National Mass Metering Regulations (NMMR) would account for the metering of end-use customers of successor electricity distribution licencees (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.”
The NERC disclosed:
The Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) and Local Meter Manufacturers Associations (LMMAs) requested the price review because of changes in naira/dollar foreign exchange (forex) and inflation rates since the last price review in September 2023.
Significant changes in these macroeconomic variables have constrained their ability to supply meters at the approved regulated price.
It has considered the need for the efficient pricing of meters to respond more quickly to changes in macroeconomic parameters, particularly exchange rates.
Deregulation of meter price under MAP scheme
“The cost of prices of meters deployed under the MAP scheme is hereby deregulated to enable end-use customers to acquire meters from MAPs of their choice based on competitive open market prices determined from transparent bidding frameworks,” the NERC said.
“All MAP permit holders are subsequently 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.
“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.
“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.”
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