Assessment of the availability and utilization of prepaid meters in Abuja electricity distribution company (AEDC) in looks metropolis

Abstract

The study was able to assess the availability and utilization of prepaid meters in Abuja electricity distribution company (AEDC) in looks metropolis. In order to attain the pertinent information of the study, six research questions and six hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Survey descriptive design was adopted with the administration of three hundred and sixty eight (368) items questionnaire was developed and use to obtain data from respondents three hundred and thirty five (335) consumer of Abuja electricity distribution company (AEDC) and thirty three (33) AEDC staff of Abuja electricity distribution company (AEDC) respectively. The data was analysed using frequency, mean, standard deviation and z-test statistics. The null hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study reveals that level of availability of prepaid meters in lokoja metropolis, the single phase (2wire) 5(60) AMPS credit static meter, 3 phase 4wire 5(60) AMPS electronic credit meter among others were moderately available. Indicating that prepaid meter are highly impressed with the extended of suitability of the use of prepaid meter. The findings depicted that lack of presence of local meter manufacturer, corruption, lack of quality consultation and education, high level of electricity consumption, experiencing difficulty while trying to change tariff, high cost of meter acquisition are factors impeding the provision of prepaid meter, among other are challenges faces provision of prepaid meter. The researcher also recommended that the government should set policies that will enhance local meter manufacturers to be productive which will in turn increase its availability, proper regulation should be made on the tariff charge on the prepaid meter in order to enhance its utilization. Consumer should be enlightened on the use of prepaid meter as well as it relevance importance over any other means.