The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has re-launched the Meter Asset Provider Scheme (MAPS) as part of its efforts to ensure meter roll out across its franchise.

Mr John Ayodele, the IBEDC Chief Operating Officer, made this known to newsmen at a news conference on Wednesday in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that IBEDC initiated MAPS following the directive given by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to give customers the choice to purchase meters.

Ayodele, represented by Mr Peter Oni, the Head, IBEDC Strategy and Performance Office, said that the programme was to further strengthen the mutual benefiting relationship existing between the company and its customers.

“We are re-launching our MAPS and want the customers to be well informed to avoid being scammed, and then fight against corruption in the system.

“At the same time, make our customers aware of the fact that it is a no third party affairs between IBEDC and customers,” he said.

The IBEDC chief said that the company was expecting customers to operate and transact in such a way that metering becomes the habitat between them.

He said phase zero of the National Mass Metering Programme had been completed, adding that they were presently moving into the next phase.

“From the experience on the field, we discovered, not only within the IBEDC, even the other discos, that it was not sufficient for us to meter the expected number of customers.

“So, we are re-launching the MAPS. Some customers want to have their houses and properties metered,” Ayodele said.

He said such would allow customers to measure the quantity of energy consumed, adding that customers would get their new meter within 10 working days after payment.

Ayodele said that customers would be able to know how much energy they have consumed; while the company would know the energy used and expected revenue using the meter.

“This time around, customers have options. Options to wait till the time the National Mass Metering gets to them, which is free.

“Or to buy into the re-launching of our MAP metering process which they have experienced before and it was a huge success.

“So, let them come here, pay the money and we are returning the money to them via energy they consume,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured a roadshow toward informing the public of the scheme.