MAP calls for price of prepaid meter review
By Uthman Salami
The Meter Asset Providers (MAP) have called for an urgently upward review of the prices of prepaid meters in the country by the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC).
MAP claimed that an increase is imminent as there is continuous rise in inflation, noting that constant upward movement of foreign exchange rates, coupled with increase in customs costs, increase in container freight costs, and the disruptions in the international supply chain, leading to a global increase in the prices of raw materials and components for the manufacture of prepaid meters necessitated their demand.
They also noted that there might be a downward review of meter prices only when there is a downward movement in foreign exchange rates and other cost factors.
In a communiqué at the end of its meeting, the MAP, assured that closing the metering gap would improve revenue collection, transparency, payment discipline, and improve customer satisfaction in the power industry.
They urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to guarantee access to foreign exchange to Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers for the procurement of parts and accessories (Completely Knocked Down (CKD) or Semi Knocked Down (SKD) parts) including equipment for meter manufacturing, production as well as expansion of factory infrastructure.
They demanded clarity on HS codes for uniform assessment as relates to meters, meter parts, components and accessories by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service.
They said the “Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) should conduct a review of material requirements for the production of meter and metering components and accessories such as meter boxes, relays, etc.
“This will facilitate the utilisation of available local materials to increase local input in the deployment of meters and reduce foreign currency requirements.
“NERC should urgently convene a roundtable meeting of all stakeholders in the metering sector consisting of the Federal Ministry of Power, Office of the Vice President, CBN, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Customs, NEMSA, DisCos and MAP/Meter Manufacturers & Assemblers to engage on the key issues and above recommendations.
“MAPs acknowledge and commend the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for the various interventions to close the metering gap such as the MAP regulations and the implementation of the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).
“Furthermore, MAPs appreciate intervention efforts of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federal Ministry of Power, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the coordination activities of the Office of the Vice President for their roles in moving the metering sector forward.”
