10th October, 2016
The Kaduna Electric, on Monday, commenced the distribution of prepaid meters to its customers in Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi and Zamfara.
The free meters were part of efforts by the company to ensure optimal service delivery.
The News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] reports that the Minsiter of Power, Babatunde Fashola and Gov. Aminu Tambuwal flagged off the distribution in Sokoto.
In his remarks, Fashola said that the new billing system would curb losses to the power firms, due to inability to collect due rates.
The minister also said the metering system would eradicate the problem of paying for unmeasured electricity by customers.
“They will, therefore, ensure fair billing system as well as enhance regular power supply,” Fashola added.
In his remarks, Tambuwal said the pre-paid meters would curb the menace of the controversially estimated billing of customers.
The governor added that the system would reduce the cost of using power by residents.
“The system will empower the customers to control their usage of power,” he said, adding that it would enhance efficiency in the power supply.
“We have also purchased 172 transformers at over N600 million to boost power supply across the state.
”The state government’s Independent Power Project ( IPP) will also soon come on stream, in partnership with KAEDCO.”
According to him, the government has undertaken various measures to augment power supply to the state.
He disclosed that the government had collaborated with the Nigeria Energy Support Programme to tap the abundant renewable energy sources in the state.
The governor said the focus would be on the wind and solar energy, as well as electricity generation from Goronyo dam.
Earlier, the company’s Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar, commended the minister for the “optimal” reforms going on in the power sector.
He also hailed Tambuwal for his “uncommon commitment” to the issue of power in the country.
NAN reports that 1,000 motorcycles purchased for the firm’s sales representatives and metering officials in the four states were also inaugurated at the event.