three phase pre-paid meters respectively.
When acquired, this payment will be refunded through a rebate on a fixed charge element from customers’ bills, because the meters are free under the scheme as declared on June 1, 2012, by the Government.
However, the purchase is to fast track the deployment of the pre-paid meters to consumers after several complaints by customers to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) on billing issues despite poor electricity services.
This was revealed by the Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi. He also said the final logistics will be put in place and announcement will be made on the 25th of April.
It was also gathered that five Distribution Companies (DISCOs), would be used for the pilot scheme. They include, Eko, Ibadan, Benin, Kano, and Abuja DISCOs.
Dr. Amadi also disclosed that, “We are currently evaluating the bids submitted by various vendors. We don’t have a specific number of vendors to use but the preferred bidders will be announced.
“Nigerians should be patient with us as we are working hard to come out with a hitch-free programme. The payment process is also being looked into to ensure that things are transparent.”
He also stated that, the call for tenders by bidders had closed, and shortlisted vendors will be ratified and will subsequently get approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
