Great news for electricity consumers! The federal government has announced that electricity meters will now be provided and installed at no cost. This comes as a directive to electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) and meter installers, urging them to roll out smart meters for all consumers free of charge. The government warns that any attempts to charge for these meters will not be tolerated and could lead to prosecution.
In a recent announcement, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, shared that this initiative is part of the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP). Aiming to enhance billing accuracy and collection efficiency across the power sector, this program will help transform the electricity landscape. Adelabu made it clear that charging consumers for these meters is not just unethical—it’s illegal.
With backing from DISREP, the federal government is set to import a staggering 3.4 million meters, and about one million of them are already on their way!
This full metering of consumers is poised to bring transparency to billing practices, encourage consumers to embrace timely payments, and strengthen the overall financial health of the electricity sector. Ultimately, it’s all about improving service delivery and ensuring a brighter, more efficient future for electricity consumers across the country!