Meters

Enugu, Jan. 22, 2024: The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), has, announced plans to commence the Token Identifier (TID) rollover for all its prepaid meter customers by end of February 2024.

The EEDC also urged its customers to update their information as a prerequisite for the meter upgrade as part of the implementation for the Standard Transfer Specification (STS) prepaid meter upgrade.

The company’s Head of Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh, said in Enugu that “the process is simple, indicating that it is a requirement for customers’ meters to be upgraded”.

Ezeh said that the company had developed and deployed a link through which its customers can update their information.

According to him, this they will simply do by clicking on the link and accessing it by providing their meter number, after which they will validate their mobile number and email address.

He said that the prepaid meter upgrade is compulsory for all prepaid meter customers, and they must comply to avoid losing their meter and being out of supply.

He said: “To forestall any supply disruption during the rollover period, customers are encouraged to purchase enough energy units that will sustain them for some days during the period, as the vending platform will be shut down and meter recharge activities will not go through during this time.

“After the rollover must have happened, the very first energy purchase by customers will come with three sets of 20 digits token (KCT1, KCT2 and the energy token).

“The first 20 digits (KCT1) is to reset the meter, the second 20 digits (KCT2) is to upgrade the meter while the third 20 digits (energy token) is to recharge the meter and complete the upgrade process.”

Ezeh noted that “Customers are expected to punch in the first 20 digits which is the KCT1 and press “enter”, and simultaneously punch in the second 20 digits which is the KCT2 and press “enter”.

He also noted that lastly, customers would punch in the third 20 digits which is the energy token, to complete the upgrade process.

He advised customers who are in the habit of purchasing and warehousing tokens (that is, those that buy tokens without loading them onto their meters), to ensure they load these tokens onto their meters before they are upgraded.

The EEDC spokesman stressed that once the meter is upgraded, such tokens would no longer be accepted by the meter and there would be no refund for unused tokens.

Ezeh said that the company had put in place a Support Team to ensure that customers are guided through this process, and that all the customers need to do is to call: 084 700 100, SMS/Whatsapp: 0815 082 6060 or 0815 082 6061.

“They can also use any of the social media platforms (Facebook and X: @enugudisco; Instagram: @enugu_disco) or send email to: customerservice@enugudisco.com,” he added.

NAN recalls that early in 2023, EEDC had notified its customers that by Nov. 24, 2024, all prepaid meters in its network would cease to accept credit tokens, unless they are upgraded.

This is following a software upgrade which will be affecting all Standard Transfer Specification (STS) compliant prepaid meters across the globe.

The management of EEDC had earlier maintained that the prepaid meter upgrade is at no cost to customers and appeals to them not to allow themselves to be extorted by anyone or group.

Abuja, Dec 24, 2023: The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) says a total of 148,389 meters were installed in Quarter 3, 2023.

According to NERC, this represents a decrease of 32,670 installations compared to the 181,059 meters installed in 2023/Q2.

The commission said this in its Q3, 2023  report pasted on its website on Saturday.

The report said that during the quarter,147,736 meters were installed under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP} framework while 207 meters were installed under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).

NERC said that the vendor financed framework recorded 446 meter installations while no meter installations were recorded under the DisCo Financed framework.

The commission said that it expected  Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to utilise any of the five  meter financing frameworks that have been provided in the 2021  MAP and NMMP to close their respective metering gaps.

”As a safeguard for customers against exploitation due to the lack of meters, the commission has continued to issue monthly energy caps for all feeders in each DisCo.

”This sets the maximum amount of energy that may be billed to an unmetered customer for the respective month based on gross energy received by the DisCo and consumption by metered customers, ”it said.

Lagos, Nov. 4, 2023: Ikeja Electric (IE) says it has deployed 830,292 meters to customers in the last 10 years.

In a statement on Friday in Lagos by Mr Kingsley Okotie, Head, Media Communication,  quoted its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Folake Soetan, to have said this during an event to mark IE’s 10th anniversary.

According to Soetan, the company recognised the importance of transparency and accountability and therefore ensure this in its operations.

“We successfully deployed 830,292 meters to our customers, giving them control over their energy consumption and fostering a sense of empowerment.

“As part of activities marking Ikeja Electric’s 10th year anniversary, the board and management of the company thrilled its staff to a hybrid session, which showcased the past achievements and plans for the immediate future,” she said.

Soetan appreciated the team and highlighted the many industry’s ‘firsts’ achieved in the past decade.

According to Soetan, topping the list is the global certifications and in 2019, IE became the first distribution company to attain all three categories of certifications.

He said these included ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System), ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System), and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System).

“This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of each of you that contributes to our commitment to excellence.

“Recognising the importance of transparency and accountability, we successfully deployed 830,292 meters to our customers, giving them control over their energy consumption and fostering a sense of empowerment.

“This year, we celebrated a remarkable reduction in our Aggregate Technical Commercial & Collection losses; from 44 per cent in 2015 to an impressive rate marginally below 20 per cent , through our collective efforts in operational efficiency and sustainable energy practices.

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication that each member of our team brings each day,” she said.

Soetan said: “Time and again, we have undoubtedly demonstrated that our strength lies not only in our technical expertise.

“But in the hearts and minds of the incredible individuals that make up Ikeja Electric Plc’s dedicated Employee Volunteer Scheme, who passionately commit to and participate in giving back to our host communities and families.

She said, “As we recount on our journey, let us also look forward to the exciting possibilities that the future holds.

“Together, as one cohesive team, let us continue to illuminate lives, empower communities, and drive Ikeja Electric Plc to even greater heights,” she appealed.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr Kola Adesina, congratulated and thanked the staff for the dedication and agility they demonstrated over the years, which had set the DisCo apart as the trailblazer in the Nigerian energy sector.

He said: “As we reflect on our journey, let us take a moment to appreciate the transformative period from 2013, when we strategically took over and rebranded from IKEDC to IE in 2015.

“These steps were not just a change of name but symbols of our commitment to progress, innovation, and, most importantly, to you- our invaluable team.

“We made history by being the first to launch a bilateral project, in 2019, thus showcasing our collaborative spirit and devotion to achieving excellence through teamwork.

“This is followed by the introduction of a 24-hour dedicated service for bilateral operations, emphasizing our commitment to providing seamless service and setting new standards in the industry.

“Our passion for exceptional service delivery is evident in our initiative to adopt automated payment channels by making transactions seamless and more efficient for our valued customers.

“We are not just providing a service but rather creating experiences that resonate with our customers.”

Mr Toibudeen Oduniyi, the Director of the Post Transaction Management Department in the Bureau of Public Enterprises, and a board member of IE congratulated the staff.

Oduniyi expressed his optimism at IE’s innovative spirit encouraged the staff on remaining committed to delivering exceptional service to its teeming customers.

“I am assured that individually and collectively, you will keep attaining new levels, retaining your position as an industry leader.” he said.

Abuja, Oct. 18, 2023: No fewer than 178,864 pre-paid meters were installed in the Q2 of 2023, representing an increase of 3,586 against the 175,281 installed in 1Q of the same year.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) made this known in its Q2, 2023 report pasted on its website on Wednesday.

The commission said a total of 168,397 meters were installed under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework while 9,302 meters were installed under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) framework.

It said that the vendor and Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) financed framework recorded 1,143 and 22 meter installations respectively.

”The commission expects DisCos to utilise any of the five meter financing frameworks that have been provided in the 2021 Meter Asset Provider and National Mass Metering Regulations.

”To close their respective metering gaps. As a safeguard for customers against exploitation due to the lack of meters,” the report said.

It added that the commission had continued to issue monthly energy caps for all feeders in each DisCo.

”This sets the maximum amount of energy that may be billed to an unmetered customer for the respective month based on gross energy received by the DisCo and consumption by metered customers,” the commission said.

Abuja, Sept 7, 2023: The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved an increase in the price of pre-paid electricity meters in the country.

This is contained in a NERC ‘order’ signed on Tuesday by its Chairman, Mr Sanusi Garba and the Commissioner, Legal, Licensing & Compliance,  Mr Dafe Akpeneye obtained by newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

The commission, in the order  said that a single phase pre paid meter would now cost N81,975.16k from the N58,661.69 while three phase pre paid meters would cost  N143,836.10 from N109,684.36.

It said that “significant changes in macroeconomic indicators, such as inflation and changes in the foreign exchange rates have necessitated a review of the regulated rates for MAP meters.

The commission also stated that the approved meter prices were exclusive of the 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT).

It said the new price regime was to ensure a fair and reasonable pricing of meters to both MAPs and end-use customers

 “Ensure Meter Assets Programme (MAP)’s ability to recover reasonable costs associated with meter procurement and maintenance while ensuring that their pricing structure allows for a viable return on investment.

“Evaluate the affordability of meter services for consumers, aiming to prevent excessive pricing that could burden end-users. Ensure that MAPs are able to provide meters to end-use customers in the prevailing economic realities,” it said.

Abuja, Sept 4, 2023: The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has assured electricity consumers with using pre-paid meters that already purchased units will not be lost due to the ongoing meter upgrade.

Mrs Ama Umoren, Head Communication and Protocol Unit, NEMSA in a statement in Abuja on Sunday said that the Managing Director of NEMSA, Mr Tukur Tahir gave the assurance on Sunday.

According to the statement, Tahir was reacting to enquiries from electricity  consumers over the ongoing discussion on the  issue of Standard Transfer Specification (STS) prepaid meters upgrading by means of Token Identifier (TID) rollover set to commence soon.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had recently directed electricity customers across the country to update their metering devices or face challenges with recharging by 2024.

NERC explained that the process of updating would be free of charge with customers expected to approach the power Distribution Companies (Discos) on how to go about

The statement assured all electricity customers that they have nothing to fear as the meter upgrade process would not affect the credit unit balance on their meters.

It states that the credit balance would remain intact after the upgrade, adding that the meter upgrade is a one-time process.

The statement said Tahir advised electricity consumers not to panic, stressing that the token Identifier is a 24-bit field, contained in STS.

It assured the public of its readiness to ensure that all electricity meters and instruments deployed in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) are of the right standard.

The statement said the agency would also ensure that all electrical instruments meet specification, safety and quality in order to accurately measure and record electrical energy consumed and guarantee safety of lives and property.

According to the statement, the token identifier is a 24-bit field, contained in STS compliant tokens, that identifies the date and time of the token generation.

”Which is used to determine if a token has already been used in a prepaid meter.

“The TID represents the number of minutes elapsed since the base date of 1st January 1993. The incrementing of the 24-bit field means that at some point in time, the TID value will roll over to a zero value”, he said.

 ”In order to overcome the TID rollover occurrence, all meters will require key change tokens with the roll over bit set which will be provided by the utility companies when the key change tokens are imputed, ” the statement added.

The statement said the process would force the meters to reset the TID stack memory to 0 and change the meter key at the same time.

It noted that the process would not make energy meters faster or slower, adding that “there was no need for consumer to panic as the TID rollover will not alter or change the metrological properties of electricity meters.

” That have been certified by NEMSA, to accurately measure and record electrical energy consumed.

“ Meter manufacturers will be required to change their production processes in order to cater for the new manufacturing hardware secure modules and key load files.

“They are also required to start manufacturing meters on the 2014 base date as will be specified by their customers when they have updated their vending systems.

“Also, that the Distribution Companies (DISCOs) will provide their prepaid meter customers Key Change Tokens (KCT) alongside their regular energy tokens when purchasing electricity,” the statement said.

 The statement also quoted the NEMSA boss as saying that “the prepaid meter end-users would be involved in the final piece of the TID rollover key change process,”

“The process would involve a special pair of tokens called a key change token (KCT) that would be entered into the prepaid meter to finalise the update of the prepaid meter softwares.

“Customers must upgrade their prepaid meters by sequentially entering the two KCT tokens (KCT1 & KCT2) and then the energy token, as to be provided by the DISCO.

”Customers must ensure that any unused or previously purchased energy tokens are loaded into their meters before the expiry date.

”Subsequent energy token purchases will continue as usual after the upgrade has been completed.”

Abuja, Aug. 4, 2023: The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), says 171,107 meters were installed in Quarter 1 (QI), 2023.

This is contained in NERC First Quarter, 2023 report posted on its website on Friday in Abuja.

The report said that the 171,107 meters installed represent an increase of 6,495 compared to the 164,612 meters installed in Q4, 2022.

“The new installations resulted in a 1.06 increase in net end-user metering rate in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) between Q4, 2022 which represent 42.25 per cent and Q1, 2023 which is 43.31per cent.

“About 158,634 meters were installed under the Meter Assert Provider (MAP) intervention, while 9,931 meters were installed under the National Mass Metering programme (NMMP) scheme.

The report said that the commission expects Distribution Companies (DisCos) to utilise any of the meter financing mechanisms that had been provided in the 2021 MAP and NMMP Regulations to close their respective metering gaps.

“As a safeguard for customers against exploitation due to the lack of meters, the commission has continued to issue monthly energy caps for all feeders in each DisCo.

“This sets the maximum amount of energy that may be billed to an unmetered customer for the respective month based on gross energy received by the DisCos and the consumption by metered customers.’’

According to the report, DisCos cumulatively received  249,683 complaints from consumers in QI, 2023, with 11,595 (4.44 per cent) complaints less than those received in Q4, 2022.

“In total, the DisCos resolved 229,101 complaints, corresponding to a 91.76 per cent resolution rate which is similar to the 91.38 per cent recorded in Q 4.2022.

According to the report, metering, billing, and service interruption are the prevalent sources of customer complaints out of the 79 per cent of total complaints during the quarter.

“Pursuant to the provisions of its Customer Complaints Handling Standards and Procedure Regulations, the commission set up forum panels across the country to review unresolved disputes from the DisCos.

The report said that the commission introduced initiatives to address these categories of complaints such as the independent verification of DisCos compliance with the capping regulation.

“In Q4, 2022, the forum offices had a total of 2,594 active appeals (inclusive of pending 1,137 appeals from Q3, 2022 from customers who were dissatisfied with DisCos’ decision on the complaints lodged at the Customer Complaints Unit (CCU).

“During the period, the forum Panels held 81 sittings and resolved 1,520 (58.60 per cent) of the appeals filed at Forum Offices nationwide.

“This means that 1,074 appeals were yet to be resolved as of the end of 2022/Q4,’’it said.

The report said the commission had continued to take measures to ensure a more efficient customer complaint resolution process starting with improvements in the quality of complaint resolution at the CCU of the DisCos.