FG orders free meter installations, warns DisCos against extortion
The Federal Government has directed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and installers to stop collecting payments for smart meters, warning that officials found extorting customers will face prosecution.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, issued the warning on Thursday while inspecting newly imported meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos. He said the meters, procured under the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), must be installed free of charge.
“It is unprecedented that these meters are to be installed and distributed to consumers free of charge. Nobody should collect money from any consumer. It is an illegality,” Adelabu said.
500,000 smart meters to be deployed across Nigeria
Adelabu confirmed that close to 500,000 meters had arrived as part of the second phase of DISREP. He said nearly 150,000 meters have already been installed nationwide, and the programme aims to completely eliminate the meter gap in the power sector.
“Our target is that every household, business, and institution will be fully metered in the coming years, ensuring transparent billings and improved liquidity in the sector,” he added.
The minister also announced plans for a customer complaint desk to report any instances of illegal payments, adding that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and state regulatory authorities will monitor installations.
Measures to accelerate installation and ensure compliance
Ayo Gbeleyi, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), said the bureau coordinates the implementation of DISREP on behalf of the government and oversees all 11 DisCos. He noted that new NERC protocols will ensure unhindered access for meter installations.
“The meters are manufactured to the specifications of each DisCo, with anti-theft features. A meter for one DisCo cannot be installed for another,” Gbeleyi said.
Mojisola Abdul, Chairman of Mojec, said the meters are designed to improve power supply and revenue generation, confirming that the installations are free. She added that a mobile registration system will ensure meters are installed within three days of registration.
Adelabu acknowledged past delays and payment requirements but emphasized that the current programme addresses both availability and free installation. He also visited the National Meter Test Station in Oshodi, where meters are tested to meet national standards.
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