The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has announced the resumption of its free prepaid‑meter installation program, aimed at tackling the long‑standing problems of estimated billing and faulty meters. The initiative forms part of the company’s effort to close the metering gap in its coverage area.
Under the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) Tranche B and Phase 1 of the Distribution Sector Recovery Program (DISREP), IBEDC will deploy a total of 55,554 smart meters to customers. MAF Tranche B will cover the installation of 33,450 meters, while DISREP Phase 1 will address 22,104 meters. The rollout will prioritize unmetered customers on Band A feeders, as well as those on Bands A and B under DISREP.
Angela Olanrewaju, IBEDC’s Coordinating Head of Corporate Services, emphasized that both the meters and the installation process are completely free. Customers are warned not to make any payments to installers or IBEDC staff, and a reporting mechanism has been established for any solicitation attempts.
The MAF initiative is funded by IBEDC through a market‑supported mechanism created by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to enable distribution companies to close the metering gap across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). The scheme complements the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) and is designed to accelerate nationwide metering.
IBEDC has urged customers to grant installers access to their premises upon presentation of a valid ID, noting that denial of access may result in disconnection. The company also cautions against tampering with or bypassing the new meters, as such acts constitute energy theft and attract serious penalties. Customers with outstanding arrears are encouraged to visit the nearest IBEDC office to settle their debt, which will facilitate a smooth migration to pre‑payment mode; however, arrears will not disqualify anyone from receiving a free meter under this scheme.
The free meter installation program represents a significant step toward addressing customer concerns and promoting transparency and fairness in billing. As IBEDC works to close the metering gap, customers can expect improved service delivery, fewer estimated bills, and an enhanced overall experience, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s electricity sector.
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