NERC mulls increase in price of prepaid meters

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is considering increasing the price of prepaid meters once again.

This consideration comes in response to the escalating production costs faced by meter manufacturers, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to newsmen.

Also gathered that the regulator may even go further than price increase and just allow market forces to determine the cost of meters. Currently, meter prices are determined by the regulator.

These sources, who requested anonymity, revealed that manufacturers have ceased issuing invoices to Distribution Companies (Discos), in anticipation of an upward price revision by the NERC.

According to the sources, the increase in prices is directly related to the foreign exchange crisis affecting the economy, leading to increased production costs and inflationary pressures on manufacturers.

Earlier last week, NERC accused the 11 Distribution Companies (DisCos) nationwide of overcharging unmetered customers, resulting in a fine of N10.5 billion.

Meanwhile, an official from a Distribution Company informed newsmen that new applications for meters are no longer being processed, as there are indications that NERC will soon announce a new pricing rate.

The source also mentioned that the applications can only be processed once the new prices are announced, leaving many applicants without a prepaid meter.

He said, “The cost of prepaid meters is going to go up soon. Meter Asset Providers have stopped selling new meters as they await NERC to approve new prices.

“New meter applications are not being processed until the price changes are reflected.

“So due to FX issues, the meter manufacturers have stopped sending invoices until the meter price is reviewed.”

Some customers who spoke to newsmen complained of not being able to get meters despite applying weeks earlier and in some cases months. Others who had paid for their meters also complained of delays in getting the meters.

Another DisCo source opined that the new applications for meters are not being processed until the cost of meters is reflective of the situation in the country.

However, they stated that customers who have paid will get their meters and may not be required to pay any other cost regardless of whether a new meter cost is approved.

NERC, the sector regulator, approves the cost of prepaid meters, most of which are imported into the country as semi-knocked-down units and assembled locally for use.

Prepaid meters have also evolved over the years with DisCos including features that mitigate against energy theft and offering more consumption data.

Nigeria’s meter deficit is thought to be over 7 million as most customers continue to be billed on estimates.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) had earlier reported in its ‘Manufacturing Sector Outlook for 2024’, that average capacity utilisation is expected to linger around the 50 percent mark due to forex-related challenges and the prevailing high inflation rate.

It said, “Average capacity utilisation will still hover around the 50 percent threshold as the forex-related challenges and high inflation rate limiting manufacturing performance may linger until mid-year.

“The sector may experience a meagre improvement in manufacturing output as forex and interest rates-related challenges are expected to subside from the third quarter.”