NERC: Tenants should negotiate with landlords before purchasing prepaid meters

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) says customers cannot transfer prepaid meters to another location once installed in an apartment.

While clarifying issues surrounding the meter asset providers (MAPs), NERC  said it is advisable for landlords to procure meters for their properties.

The commission said any tenant who agrees to buy a prepaid meter for an apartment should work out a mode of compensation with the landlord since he cannot relocate with the meter.

“All meters under the MAP framework are provided by the MAP on behalf of the distribution company operating in the franchise area, in accordance with the Meter Service Agreement contracted by both parties as contained in the MAP Regulations,” NERC said.

“Meters cannot be transferred by a customer once installed in a premises. Meters becomes part of the property. It is always advisable for landlords to procure the meters for their properties.

“Where a tenant with the agreement of the landlord procures a meter for a property, he/she should agree with the landlord on the mode of compensation since he cannot move the meter.

“The customer is responsible for the safety of the meter and shall not tamper with or remove it, nor permit access to the meter by anyone other than duly authorized staff or agents of the MAP or distribution licensee.

“The customer shall provide access to their premises for the provision of meters in line with the installation requirements of the Distribution Licensee. A customer shall be denied service by a Distribution Licensee on account of refusal to allow for the installation of a meter by a MAP.”

On April 3, 2018, NERC introduced the MAP regulation to new investors in the power sector to fast-track the roll-out of meters through the engagement of third-party investors.