An Investigation Into the Perception and Attitude of Nigerians Towards Prepaid Electric Meters
CHAPTER ONE
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main objective of the study is to investigate into the perception and attitude of Nigerians towards prepaid electric meters. A case study of selected residents of Ikorodu Lagos. The specific objectives of the study include;
- To determine the relevance of prepaid meters.
- To determine the perception and attitude of Nigerians towards prepaid electric meters.
- To determine the perception and attitude of ikorodu residents towards prepaid electric meters.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Nigerian Electricity Context
Globally energy consumption has taken center stage following energy production and rapid increase in energy consumption (IPCC, 2007; EIA, 2019). However, it is projected that global lack of access to electricity especially within the rural areas will worsen within the next 20 years (Kaygusuz, 2012). This is where nations like Nigeria are making frantic efforts to improve electricity production and generation to the teeming population that are demanding more of electricity. In Nigeria, electricity is anchored on Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) which generates 98% of Nigeria’s total electricity (Central Bank of Nigeria, 2000). PHCN relies majorly on thermal system and hydro system to generate power as they have three hydro generating stations and eleven thermal generating stations (Uchegbulam, Opeh & Atenaga, 2014; Ajibola, Ajala, Akanmu & Balogun, 2018). However, electricity generation in Nigeria have been experiencing a free fall such that there is a huge gap between demand and supply of electricity in the nation. For a teeming population of over 180 million, electricity generation which was at 4845MW dropped to 3338MW (Energy Mix Report, 2019) thereby creating more inconsistencies in electricity supply. The inconsistencies in electricity supply have created poverty streaks by paralyzing industrial and commercial activities (Oyedepo, 2012).
Introduction of Electronic Meters
The transition of National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) into Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) took place in 2005. One of the many things it led to is the gradual replacement of electromechanical (post-paid) meters with electronic (prepaid) meters, because only few electricity consumers had access to it at inception (Arawomo, 2017). The unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in 2013 also led to the advent of various pre-payment meters by the various distribution companies (Ejumudo and Ejumudo, 2014). However, according to (Aliu, 2020), the use of prepaid meters has been introduced in Lagos, Nigeria since the late 1990s with few households having access to it. The Key-type electronic prepaid meters were introduced in Nigeria in 2005 and later the smart card-type prepaid meters were introduced (Mankanjuola et al., 2015). The prepaid meters were distributed with no initial financial obligation but the cost of owning one is incorporated into the credit unit purchased; and thus, permitting gradual payment for the meter. NERC’s “Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation” (CAPMI) policy encourages electricity consumers to gradually pay for electricity meters, the meters were then supplied and installed after full payment.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitute of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine an investigation into the Perception and attitude of Nigerians towards Prepaid Electric Meters. Selected Residents of Ikorodu Lagos form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
TEST OF HYPOTHESIS
Ho1: There is no significant relationship between perception of Nigerians and prepared electric meters.
Ho2: there is no perception and attitude of ikorodu residents towards prepaid electric meters
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain an Investigation into the Perception and Attitude of Nigerians Towards Prepaid Electric Meters. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of Perception and Attitude of Nigerians Towards Prepaid Electric Meters
Summary
This study was on an Investigation into the Perception and Attitude Of Nigerians Towards Prepaid Electric Meters. Three objectives were raised which included; To determine the relevance of prepaid meters, to determine the perception and attitude of Nigerians towards prepaid electric meters and to determine the perception and attitude of ikorodu residents towards prepaid electric meters. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Selected Residents Of Ikorodu Lagos. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
From the results of this study, it can be seen that the prepaid meters put the customer in control of electricity consumption which enabled respondents in this study to make consumption behavioural changes. Residents’ control can be further enhanced by making the meters “smarter” than they currently are. For instance, features, which provide audio feedbacks, can be fitted into the meters. It can also be concluded that customers alter their electricity consumption in response to the introduction of the prepaid meters largely due to the immediate feedbacks provided. What may however, differ are perhaps the actions taken and rigour with which they are pursued. The three main behavioural responses identified in this paper mostly adopted by residents are switching off electrical appliances when not in use, consciousness of energy rating of electrical appliances before purchases, avoidance of use of some electrical appliances. These no doubt constitute the areas that both the DISCOs and the regulatory body NERC should devote more attention to in terms of research, sensitizations, feedbacks and other forms of engagement with residents. This can be through communication channels that are clear and trusted by the customers. This will create a win-win situation by making residents know that the DISCOs are not only interested in their money but also in ensuring residents get optimum value for their money
Recommendation
There should be regular training and retraining of staffs of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) (Both Engineers and Technicians/Technologist) on maintenance practices to be carried out on prepaid meter.
Consumer should be enlightening on the use of prepaid meter as well as it relevance importance over any other means.
Proper sanction should be impose on any defaulters of the prepaid meters.
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