A smart metering technology to checkmate power losses and give electricity consumers access to reliable and affordable power has been installed at Odida Community, Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area Anambra State.
The technology known as the “Internet of Things” is in line with the commitment of the Anambra State Government in Southeast Nigeria, to stop the estimated billing of the citizens by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC and ensure constant power supply.
Speaking at the demonstration of the pilot phase of the technology, the Commissioner for Power in Anambra State, Julius Chukwuemeka said; “the technology which is developed by Steamaco is in line with the vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo that every electricity consumer in Anambra State will be metered to stop estimated billing and power losses by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC.”
Mr Chukwuemeka further said that the technology would ensure that electricity consumers in Anambra State get value for their money by ensuring that they pay only for the power they use.
He noted that “the technology would assist the state in the aspect of safety as people will always turn off all their electrical appliances when leaving their homes to avoid paying for the power they did not use.”
However, the Managing Director of the Firm that developed Internet of Things Technology, Mr. Tom Parkinson said that it was used for producing intelligent metres that can help the EEDC to monitor all the uses of the power delivered, detect where power was stolen and help the customers to develop trust.
Mr Parkinson stated that it would also help the EEDC in power accountability and reduce technical commercial losses among others.
The Managing Director of Ukpaka Energy Nigeria Limited, Professor Frank Okafor said that the smart prepaid metres they installed in Ogidi community, in collaboration with Steamaco were to prove that their livelihood and businesses operate profitably.
“They will also help the EEDC get paid for the power they supply to the community without resorting to estimated billing,” he said.
Confirming the effectiveness of the new technology, the Chairman, Odida Ogidi Family Union, Josiah Ejiofor said that the metres were working perfectly, record and control their consumption of electricity.
He added that hours of power supply have increased tremendously in the area.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
