Free distribution of electricity meters begins today

‎Free distribution of electricity meters to Nigerians will commence today, Friday in the areas of coverage of the Kano, Kaduna, Eko and Ikeja electricity distribution companies.‎

The development followed a directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to the distribution companies to ensure mass metering and bring an end to estimated billing in the electricity sector.

The free distribution of the meters is being implemented under the National Mass Metering Programme.

Locations that would receive meters on Friday include Bawo Road and environs in Kano metropolis (KEDCO); Governor Road/Tudun Wada in Kaduna (Kaduna Electric); Oshodi Business Unit in Ikeja (Ikeja Electric); and Yaba and Surulere (Eko Disco).

The programme is to be monitored by stakeholders, including Kaduna, Kano and Lagos state government representatives, the chairmen of Senate and House committees on Power, as well as representatives of the organised labour and Civil Society Organisations.

The National Mass Metering Programme is to roll out six million meters for all connections points on grid without meters over the next 18 to 24 months, estimated to impact 30 million consumers nationwide.

Also, all meters under the scheme will be locally sourced, a development which is expected to lead to the creation of thousands of manufacturing jobs.‎

Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, who spoke on the development, said, “Current efforts by the Federal Government on improving power supply and mass metering is in line with some of the agreements recently reached between the Federal Government and the organised labour.

“Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had committed that Nigerians would be metered before the end of his administration and that estimated billing would be ended.”