The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company has restarted the rollout of free prepaid meters across its franchise areas as part of major efforts to close the long-standing metering gap.
The installation is taking place under Tranche B of the Meter Acquisition Fund and Phase 1 of the Distribution Sector Recovery Program. Both initiatives are part of a push to expand metering nationwide and reduce estimated billing.
In a statement released on Friday by Angela Olanrewaju, the Coordinating Head of Corporate Services, the company said 33,450 smart meters will be deployed under the Meter Acquisition Fund while another 22,104 meters will come through the DISREP programme.
According to IBEDC, the MAF rollout will focus on unmetered customers on Band A feeders. DISREP will cover customers on Bands A and B.
The company stressed that the meters and installation process are completely free. It asked customers to be cautious and report anyone demanding payment.
“The meters are completely free, and installation is also free. Customers must not make any form of payment to anyone. Anyone requesting money should be reported via the provided email channels,” the statement noted.
IBEDC explained that the Meter Acquisition Fund is financed through a market-supported mechanism approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to help distribution companies close the metering gap across the sector.
The scheme runs alongside the Presidential Metering Initiative and will operate concurrently with the Meter Asset Provider scheme, though unlike MAP, customers are not required to pay for the meters.
The company added that customers do not need to apply or visit any IBEDC office to benefit. Installations are being carried out in phases and by designated teams.
Customers were also encouraged to grant installers access to their premises once they present valid identification. The company reminded the public that refusal of access could lead to disconnection as directed by NERC.
IBEDC further warned against bypassing or tampering with the new meters, describing such actions as energy theft that attract stiff penalties.
While asking customers with outstanding arrears to visit its offices for resolution, the company made it clear that no one will be disqualified from receiving a free meter because of unpaid bills.
Arrears, the company said, will be handled through its debt management procedures.
“No customer will be denied a meter on account of outstanding bills. Arrears will be managed in line with the company’s debt settlement policy,” the statement added.