The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) says customers will obtain their prepaid meters 48 hours after enrolling in the ongoing mobile Metre Asset Provider (MAP) programme.

Vincent Ekwekwu, EEDC chief technical officer, disclosed this at the commencement of the mobile MAP programme for customers in Anambra held in Ogidi, Idemili North LGA on Wednesday.

Mr Ekwekwu called in unmetered customers in the area to take advantage of the programme as it would lead to the end of estimated billing in payment for power supplied.

He said the programme would be mutually beneficial to the company and customers as it would result in fair pricing and prompt payment of energy consumed.

According to him, the essence is to increase patronage and close the metering gap because people are complaining that they are no longer comfortable with estimated billing.

“But with this arrangement, the era of estimated and post-paid is gone. Apart from the smart prepaid meters being recharged online, you can now regulate your supply and manage your energy,” Mr Ekwekwu explained.

The EEDC official revealed that the company was engaging a local vigilance group, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to assist in safeguarding the firm’s assets against thieves and vandals.

“We need more government intervention, especially in the area of regulation, because these stolen items are sold in the open markets. If there is a regulation, it becomes almost impossible to dispose of them easily,” Mr Ekwekwu explained.

(NAN)