The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has resumed its free prepaid meter installation programme under Tranche B of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) and Phase 1 of the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), two national initiatives designed to reduce the country’s longstanding metering deficit.
In a statement issued at the weekend, the company’s Coordinating Head of Corporate Services, Angela Olanrewaju, disclosed that a total of 33,450 smart meters will be deployed under MAF Tranche B, while 22,104 meters are earmarked for distribution under the first phase of DISREP.
According to the statement, the MAF deployment will prioritise unmetered customers on Band A feeders, while the DISREP rollout will cover customers on Bands A and B. IBEDC stressed that both the meters and the installation process are completely free, urging customers to disregard any request for 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 [email protected] or [email protected],” Olanrewaju stated.
IBEDC explained that the MAF initiative is fully funded through a market-supported mechanism created by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to help distribution companies accelerate metering across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). It also complements the Federal Government’s Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI).
The company noted that customers are not required to apply or visit any of its offices for the MAF programme, as deployment is being executed in phases and through a structured approach.
Customers were further advised to allow authorised installers access to their premises upon presentation of a valid identification card. IBEDC cautioned that refusal of access may lead to disconnection in line with NERC regulations.
The utility company also warned against bypassing or tampering with the newly installed meters, describing such actions as energy theft that attract severe penalties.
While urging customers with outstanding arrears to visit the nearest IBEDC office for account reconciliation, the firm clarified that unpaid bills will not disqualify any customer from receiving a free meter.
“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 and established procedures,” the statement added.
