PUB is pleased to report some good progress on the prepaid meters roll-out in recent weeks, after a lengthy period of slow output and stop-start work.
The objective is that, over time, all meters will be converted to pre-paid. We are aware of some concerns with these new meters, and we hope such concerns have been mitigated following reassurances and confirmed testing. We have the latest technology on order for meter calibration, so any customer with doubts or concerns about the accuracy of their meter can watch as it is tested and proven accurate.
For many years, the post-paid meters were not recalibrated, and, as with all mechanical devices, they deteriorated over time. If anything, the old meters gave an advantage to customers with poorly calibrated meters.
We recently had a delegate in China to verify the orders for the next batch of meters, which are now being shipped. A further order is commencing manufacture. We hope the new meters arrive in Tarawa soon, as we hope to have the majority of the rollout completed before the year end.