The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has unveiled plans to launch a large-scale prepaid meter installation program across its service areas in Nigeria. This initiative is part of the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), a $500 million project supported by the World Bank. The program aims to improve power supply management, increase transparency, and eliminate estimated billing practices.
KEDCO will distribute 128,000 prepaid meters free of charge to electricity consumers in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States. The company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abubakar S. Jimeta, stated that the metering program will prioritize existing unmetered customers across the three states. Preparations for the installation exercise are in advanced stages, although the exact commencement date has not been disclosed.
The DISREP project seeks to enhance the financial and technical performance of Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos), reduce commercial losses, and promote transparency and accountability within the power sector. The initiative, launched by the Federal Government in partnership with the World Bank, aims to restore the financial viability of the power sector by improving the metering gap, modernizing grid infrastructure, and introducing performance-based incentives for DisCos.
The mass metering program is expected to have a significant impact on the power sector in Nigeria, particularly in the regions served by KEDCO. By providing prepaid meters to consumers, the company aims to reduce disputes over billing and improve customer satisfaction. The program also aligns with the Nigerian government’s efforts to increase access to electricity and improve the overall efficiency of the power sector.
The World Bank’s support for the DISREP project underscores the importance of addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector. The $500 million initiative demonstrates the international community’s commitment to helping Nigeria achieve its energy goals and improve the lives of its citizens. As KEDCO moves forward with its mass metering program, the company is poised to make a positive impact on the power sector and contribute to the country’s economic development.