Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has assured its customers that had earlier paid for meters before the effective date of the reviewed cost of meter, that the new cost will not affect their application.
“All payments for meters previously made under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme before Sept. 5, 2023, will be processed using the old meter cost. No kobo will be added,” the Head, Corporate Communications of EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh, said.
Ezeh gave the clarification in Enugu on Thursday while enlightening journalists on the newly reviewed costs of meters as contained in order No: NERC /2023/020 issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) which took effect from Sept. 5, 2023.
According to him, the review by NERC was necessitated following the significant changes in macroeconomic indicators, such as inflation and changes in foreign exchange rates among other factors.
He said: “With this new development, a Single-Phase meter which previously cost ₦63,061.27 now goes for ₦88,123.30.
“Three-Phase meter, which was obtained at the cost of ₦117,910.69, is now sold at ₦154,623.81. These prices are inclusive of the 7.5 per cent VAT.”
Ezeh further clarified that customers who were issued Demand Notes at the old rate but failed to pay for the meters before the Order introducing the new rate, would have to pay at the new rate.
The EEDC spokesman warned that meter “application and installation is free of charge and comes at no cost to the customer, likewise pre-installation survey and generation of Demand Note for payment.”
He said: “All the customers need to pay for is the meter itself, and that is only when a Demand Note has been issued, and the payment is to be made at any commercial bank.
“We, therefore, call on our customers to beware of dubious elements who may cash in on this to defraud unsuspecting customers of their hard earned money.
“Once you have applied for a meter, keep tracking to know the progress or go to the office to check and ask questions rather than fall into the wrong hands.”
Ezeh reiterated that all payments for meters are made at any commercial bank; and not in cash in any office or to any agent or group.
