Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said it is making headwayin plans to deploy smart meter technology in the sector so as to check electricity meter cloning.
NERC said that a number of the licensed electricity distribution companies have indicated their interest in deploying the technology in their networks.
Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi said this during an interection with journalists. He said the draft regulation will be put out for public review and consideration before it is finalised and approved as a regulatory document for use in this regard.
Amadi said “The Commission has also received completed technical work on the regulation on smart metering. This draft regulation is now slated for public consultation to enable operators and the general public review and comment on the regulation before it is finalised and approved by the Commission.
“This regulation will provide the framework for deployment of smart meters to protect the revenues of the distribution companies and help customers better manage their electricity consumption.
“Many of the distribution companies, in a bid to overcome metering cloning and other forms of frauds against the electricity market, are resorting to smart meter. This regulation will provide a supporting framework for smart metering in the Nigerian electricity market.
“I want to warn customers to stop engaging in criminal acts of stealing power. It is this sort of sabotage at the retail level that increases the commercial losses that increase tariff that consumers pay.
“So, it is in the interest of consumers to report their neighbours who engage in such criminal activities to the distribution companies and the security forces.
“By protecting electrical installations, we reduce the cost of electricity generation, transmission and distribution. And we benefit in terms of improved power supply and lower tariff.”