AEDC re-launches MAP scheme, begins direct sale of electricity to customers

Story from Abah ADAH, Abuja

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) is now set to resume metering of its customers via the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, even as the company said in a bid to further take its service to the doorsteps of its customers directly it has provided a an online platform that would enable them buy energy directly from the company’s website instead of going through a third party (vendors) as has been the case.

The MAP programme became virtually suspended when the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a vehicle for closing the metering gap in the country became operational.

The MAP scheme gives customers the option of paying for a meter while the money is refunded to them through issuance of energy credit over a period of 36 months.

At a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chief Marketing Officer of the distribution company (DISCO), Mr Donald Etim, said the resumption of the MAP scheme is in response to the efforts of AEDC to ensure that all customers are metered in line with the policy of the federal government.

“Regulated price for a single-phase meter is N63,061.32 (VAT inclusive) while a three-phase meter goes for N117,910.69(VAT inclusive),” he explained.

Explaining AEDC’s position further, the Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Engr Oluwafemi Zachaeus, noted that the direct vending initiative does not mean that the super and minor vendors already in use are no longer relevant in the system as those who find the third-party arrangement more convenient are allowed to do so.

He said under the renewed MAP programme, 180, 000 meters are being targeted in addition to what NMMP has to offer in the quest to close the metering gap as soon as possible, adding that 50,000 meters are already in AEDC’ s stock, waiting to be distributed to willing customers.

“In addition, we are keying into the National Mass Metering Programme of the federal government in order to close the metering gap as soon as possible,” Zachaeus said.

While admitting that over 100,000 had been metered by AEDC sincere the inception of MAP, the CTO said the metering deficit is in the region of 300,000 ” and we are taking all the necessary steps to close it.”

The company said it has put in place all that is required to ensure that customers can process their application for a meter in a seamless way.

“Our customers are also assured of the fact that meters will be installed within 10 days of the receipt of their application for a meter,” it said.

Explaining the rational behind the launch of the direct vending platform, Etim said apart from assurance of the elimination of of extra charges such as service charge, commission, and convenience fees, customers are also assured of easy reconciliation of their account, 24/7 real time service as well as instant value for the energy purchased from any part of the franchise areas, adding that a customer only needs to visit http://pay4energy.abujaelectricity.com.

He urged customers to interact with AEDC via any of its communication channels for further enquiry or assistance where necessary.

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