Exchange Rate: NERC to increase price of prepaid meters
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is considering increasing the price of prepaid meters once again.
This consideration comes in response to the escalating production costs faced by meter manufacturers, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Nairametrics.
These sources, who requested anonymity, revealed that manufacturers have ceased issuing invoices to Distribution Companies (Discos), in anticipation of an upward price revision by the NERC.
According to the sources, the increase in prices is directly related to the foreign exchange crisis affecting the economy, leading to increased production costs and inflationary pressures on manufacturers.
Earlier last week, NERC accused the 11 Distribution Companies (DisCos) nationwide of overcharging unmetered customers, resulting in a fine of N10.5 billion.
Meanwhile, an official from a Distribution Company informed Nairametrics that new applications for meters are no longer being processed, as there are indications that NERC will soon announce a new pricing rate.
The source also mentioned that the applications can only be processed once the new prices are announced, leaving many applicants without a prepaid meter.
He said,
Some customers who spoke to Nairametrics complained of not being able to get meters despite applying weeks earlier and in some cases months. Others who had paid for their meters also complained of delays in getting the meters.
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Another DisCo source opined that the new applications for meters are not being processed until the cost of meters is reflective of the situation in the country. However, they stated that customers who have paid will get their meters and may not be required to pay any other cost regardless of whether a new meter cost is approved.
NERC, the sector regulator, approves the cost of prepaid meters, most of which are imported into the country as semi-knocked down units and assembled locally for use. Prepaid meters have also evolved over the years with DisCos including features that mitigate against energy theft and offering more consumption data.
Nigeria’s meter deficit is thought to be over 7 million as most customers continue to be billed on estimates.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has earlier reported in its ‘Manufacturing Sector Outlook for 2024’, the that average capacity utilization is expected to linger around the 50% mark due to forex-related challenges and the prevailing high inflation rate.
The report noted that forex crisis and high inflation in the country will limit its performance in Nigeria till mid-2024.
It said:
With a 27 years high inflation rate of 29.90% and an incessant fall of the Naira against the Dollar in the FX market, Nigeria manufacturing industry continue to grapple with rising cost of production.
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