The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has officially flagged off the National Mass Metering Program (NMMP).
The initiative was launched by the Managing Director, AEDC, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya on Tuesday in Abuja.
Speaking at the launching, Mupwaya said the program was designed with sufficient resources aimed at meeting all customers.
According to the Mupwaya “The Federal Government who are shareholders with 40% in the state of the AEDC have made available resources which will be availed to the company on a low interest shareholder loan so that we can acquire meter-to-meter with everyone having a business catchment area.
“Over the years, the company has embarked on several initiatives to try close the meter gap. These initiatives attained a level of success which has been limited. I am happy to report that we have been able to install 300,000 meters but this is insufficient to close the gap.
“With this current program, the company will be able to acquire 900,000 meters which will also replace those defective meters. This will cost in the region an expected cost of about Sixty billion but we believe that the next phase procurement will be competitive and the government initiative will ensure that the meters are manufactured in the country which will make the price drop dramatically making great impact on the economic.”
Mupwaya further stated that the initiative will result to massive employment, alleviate poverty and revenue generation. He therefore urged consumers to receive the meters and use it for it purpose as violators will be fined.
One time Director General of Natonal Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Tom Adaba urged the AEDC to give in their services and total involvement because electricity is a priority in terms of development.
Adaba said troubesomely, the same government owns the distribution, manufacture and transmission which otherwise would have been marched together for effective services.
He hoped that the initiative will bring in some coordination in terms of services.
He also urged consumers to give in their best to ensure regularity of electricity provision for various organizations and companies.
