The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has announced a major rollout of over 55,000 free prepaid meters under Tranche B of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) and Phase 1 of the Distribution Sector Recovery Program (DISREP), marking a significant step in its drive to close the metering gap across its franchise areas.
In a statement signed by the Coordinating Head, Corporate Services, Angela Olanrewaju, IBEDC explained that the two initiatives form part of its ongoing free prepaid meter installation exercise, aimed at reducing estimated billing and improving transparency in energy consumption.
According to the company, 33,450 smart meters will be deployed under MAF Tranche B, while 22,104 meters will be installed under the DISREP scheme. IBEDC noted that the MAF rollout will prioritise unmetered customers on Band A feeders, while DISREP will cover customers on both Band A and B.
The company emphasised that the meters and the installation process are completely free, warning customers not to make any form of payment to installers or staff.
“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 maf_disrep@ibedc.com or ethicscompliance@ibedc.com,” the statement read.
IBEDC further explained that the MAF initiative is funded by the company through a market-supported mechanism established by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to help electricity distribution companies close the metering gap nationwide.
The scheme also complements the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) and runs concurrently with the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, although, unlike MAP, MAF meters come at no cost to customers.
The company clarified that customers do not need to apply or visit any IBEDC office to benefit, as the deployment is being carried out systematically. It urged customers to allow authorized installers access to their premises, stressing that refusal may result in disconnection, in line with NERC directives.
IBEDC also issued a strong warning against tampering or bypassing the new meters, describing such actions as energy theft that attracts serious penalties.
“We urge customers to cooperate fully so we can serve them better,” the company added.
While encouraging customers with outstanding arrears to visit the nearest IBEDC office for resolution, the company assured that outstanding debts will not disqualify any customer from receiving a free meter, but clearing arrears would aid a seamless transition to the prepaid metering mode.
