KANO – The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has concluded all the necessary arrangements to import 100, 000 pre-paid meters for distribution to customers in 2015.
The Managing Director of the company, Alhaji Jamilu Gwamna, made this known at Customers’ Interactive Session on Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) in Kano on Monday.
NAN reports that the forum was organised by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to sensitise electricity customers on the CAPMI.
He said the measure was necessary in order to reduce incessant complaints by customers on crazy billing as well as to ensure effective service delivery.
“Even though, they may not be enough, but we can start with this number since we will continue to bring them in batches,’’ he said.
Gwamna said the company had also planned to invest in solar power but the issue of land was the major challenge facing the company.
“We are already having a discussion with some potential investors with a view to actualising the project before the end of 2015,’’ he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner, Marketing and Regulation of NERC, Mr Eyo Ekpo, said the new CAPMI was designed for willing customers because they were not supposed to pay extra charges for meters.
“Numerous customer complaints indicate a high level of dissatisfaction with the way they are billed by the DISCOs.
“The commission considers it expedient to explore other avenues of ensuring that customers are metered to eliminate wildly estimated bills,’’ he said.
He said willing customers would now be allowed to advance funds for the purchase and installation of meters.
“These advance payments are subsequently refunded through a rebate on the fixed charges elements of their electricity bills,’’ he said.
According to him, the NERC has developed guidelines for registration of importers/manufacturers and vendors/installers and are on website.
He, therefore, called on customers to give the commission and DISCOs the necessary support to ensure the success of the programme.
He said Customer Complaint Units (CCUs) would now be fully operational in all distribution companies to address customers’ complaints and provide efficient customer service.
NAN reports that most of the customers, who spoke at the occasion, called on the commission to ensure effective implementation of the CAPMI. (NAN)