The Federal Government (FG) has issued a stern warning to electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) and licensed meter service providers, declaring that any firm found charging consumers for meter installation will face prosecution.
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, gave the directive while unveiling plans by the government to deploy millions of smart electricity meters nationwide under a World Bank–supported initiative aimed at ending estimated billing and protecting consumers.
According to the minister, the Federal Government has concluded arrangements to import about 3.4 million smart meters, out of which one million units are expected to be installed in the first phase after delivery.
He explained that the meters were procured through the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), with the full cost of acquisition and deployment already covered by the government.
Adelabu stressed that electricity meters provided under the programme are not items for sale, describing the practice of charging customers for installation as illegal and unacceptable.
He said the government’s decision was informed by the prevailing economic hardship in the country, adding that citizens should not be subjected to additional financial pressure before accessing basic services.
He noted that the directive to DISCOs was designed to eliminate estimated billing, improve transparency in the power sector, and rebuild public confidence in electricity service delivery. The minister further warned that any company that violates the order would be sanctioned in line with existing laws.
The power minister also highlighted the broader benefits of full metering, stating that it would promote fairness in billing, encourage consumers to pay for actual energy consumed, and ultimately enhance revenue collection and liquidity for operators in the electricity value chain.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to achieving nationwide metering as part of ongoing reforms to stabilise the power sector and improve electricity supply across the country.
For More Details, Visit New Daily Prime at www.newdailyprime.news
