The Managing Director, ME Metering Company Ltd ( MEMC ), an Abia state based Pre-paid Electricity Meter manufacturer, Prince Dr. Aloysius Mba, has said that the Company has capacity to produce up to 600,000 units of ‘Single and Three Phase’ Meters and is thus, in position to meet some of the demand of the eleven Electricity Distribution Companies ( Discos ) across the country.
MEMC is a member of the Masters Energy Group conglomerate located in Onuaku rural Community , Isuikwuato Council area and has Dr Uche Sampson Ogah, past Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development as the Group President.
The Group comprises about ten active companies producing various Masters Branded products namely; Masters brands Pre-paid Meters, Assorted Plastics products, PVC Pressure pipes Table Water, Lubricants, Noddles, Aluminium Sheets, Electrical Conduits etc.
The House of Representatives Committee on Power led by the Chairman Hon. Victor Nwokolo had in August, 2024, paid inspection visit to the Industrial City and after inspecting the Meter Factory, urged Discos in the country to adopt the ME Meters and other locally certified Brands in their operations indicating to do the legislative needfuls that will engender the compliance by the Discos.
He argued ” if we already have ready and close sources for these Meters, Discos will have no choice but to adopt and patronize them”.
Dr Ogah, had told the visiting federal lawmakers that his Masters Energy Group is the largest industrial hub in the South East of Nigeria, was established to be part of the development of the Nigerian economy and the rural area but has not gotten any support or assistance from the government.
It was gathered that even when the Group sought the support of a federal agency, it ( Agency ) demanded its relocation to Lagos as Collateral and a condition. Dr Ogah told the visiting lawmakers that Masters Energy Group presently has 2,000 workers across the associated companies with growing capacity for 50,000.
MEMC Managing Director Dr Mba who spoke with Nigeriareports.ng in his office, said that all statutorily mandated Agencies had licensed the Factory for Meter production including certification of the its products Brands by Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency ( NEMSA), Standards Organization of Nigeria ( SON ) , Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission ( NERC ) and others.
He however vented out their woes and challenges to include that Meter Manufacturers only sell through Discos and Metering Assets Providers ( MAP) who seemingly, lack funds to make bulk purchases hence, a lot they have produced are awaiting purchase orders.
It was suggested in some quarters that this scenario of Meter ‘scarcity within its availability’ can be addressed if subscribers are allowed to procure approved Meters for their Service – Discos to install for their use and register them ( Subscribers ) as the owners of the Meters, such that they can relocate with the Meters when they do ( relocate ).
According to the Managing Director, their challenges include lack of water, power, as the entire community has been cut off from the national power grid for over ten ( 10 ) years, while their access roads have been perennially in deplorable conditions.
They are consequently sourcing/procuring power, water and other inputs stating that do so, impacts their high production costs.
The emergence of the MEMC Meters has provided the opportunity for the Subscribers of power from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company ( EEDC ) to be educated on the metering modalities and related matters including the alleged delays in providing them Meters and relocating with them to new places/residences
Ironically, while power (electricity) subscribers in the south east region reportedly demand for Pre-paid Meters that are said to be available in Master Energy , the EEDC allegedly delays the supply and installation to those who claimed to have paid for the Meters.
Contacted to comment on this allegation and other matters relating to pre-paid Meter supply, installation and transfer, including why EEDC has allegedly not patronized Meters produced by NEMC, the EEDC Communications Manager and Spokesman Mr Emeka Eze reacted when contacted.
According to him, ” The fact is that the number of meters in the sector is not adequate to meet the demands of unmetered customers, as funds are required to procure and import these meters.
” So, to have all customers metered, it will take time and resources. It is not EEDC (DisCos) that manufacture or import meters, but the MAPs (Meter Asset Providers).
” The Meters are properties of the DisCos, and they can not be relocated to another location once they are installed on a building. Customers pay to have the meters installed for them, and they are reimbursed through energy units (as they recharge the Meter).
” We only accept meters that are provided by any of our MAPs, which are in line with our specifications.
” There are no set conditions for metering a customer other than the applicant being a customer of EEDC. It does not matter if the customer is owing arrears. Once he/she applies for meter and pays for it, it will be installed.
” As of now, the local meter manufacturers do not have the capacity to meet up with the local meter demands. They also need to source funds and import a larger part of the meter components that are manufactured abroad.
” Customers are encouraged to enquire about the debt status of any building they intend to move into or acquire. That will give them an idea of whether there are outstanding bills tied to the property.
” We currently have two MAPs (Mojec and AEMS). AEMS is one of the meter manufacturers operating in the South East, and we are patronising them.
” Mojec, is equally a Nigerian meter company. So, we are encouraging indigenous brands. As we move on, if there is a need to sign on more MAPs, we will definitely do so” .
Written by Gordi Udeajah
