N37bn Needed to Close Anambra Metering Gap – EEDC

Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has said over 500,000 new meters estimated to cost about N37 billion were needed to close metering gap in Anambra State.

Managing Director/CEO, Praveen Chorghade dropped the hint at Government House exco chambers during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EEDC and state government aimed at providing energy security and extending universal electricity access for residents of the state to the fullest extent within its constitutional powers.

The pact was signed by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and his Public Utilities’ Commissioner, Julius Emeka on behalf of state government, while Sir Emeka Offor signed on behalf of EEDC.

According to Chorghade, the closure of the metering gap would go a long way to curtail losses emanating from estimated billing and customers’ unwillingness to pay.

“These proposed plans are designed to achieve an overall business turnaround that will contribute to the enhancement of service delivery, commercial performance, shareholders and stakeholders value addition,” he said.

Appreciating Federal and Anambra State governments, regulatory agencies, notably NERC and NESI, for providing guidelines, institutional and legal frameworks that birthed the pact, the MD pledged EEDC’s commitment to deploy its skills and assets in achieving the partnership goals.

“The franchising of Anambra power distribution business model which we are set to embark upon will not only improve service to customers, operational and commercial efficiencies, but provide additional networks required to increase both reliability and quality of supply towards attaining a 24/7 supply,” he added.

Responding, Soludo described the MoU signing as consummation of long standing relationship with EEDC, saying it was targeted at ensuring power supply in the state was made available on steady basis.

He expressed optimism that the signing and execution would translate to positive changes, critical in his administration’s journey towards liveable and prosperous homeland.