Electricity distribution company urges customers to obtain free prepaid meters

The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has appealed to customers across its coverage areas to take advantage of the ongoing free prepaid meter distribution being implemented under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI).

The initiative, financed through the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) Tranche B, is designed to bridge the metering gap within EKEDC’s network and enhance transparency in electricity billing.

Speaking during a customer engagement session on Thursday at the company’s Lekki Business Unit, Acting Chief Executive Officer of EKEDC, Mrs Rekhiat Momoh, called on customers to seize the opportunity.

The Lekki Business District includes communities such as Ikota, Oke Ira, Addo, Badore, Ajah, Ilaje, Ikeja Mobil, Ogombo, Thomas Estate, Abraham Adesanya, and Lekki Scheme 2.

PlatinunPost reports that the MAF serves as a primary funding source for the PMI, which was approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Momoh, who was represented by the Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Samuel Edoho, explained that Band A and Band B customers are eligible to receive prepaid meters at no cost.

She noted that the initiative supports the Federal Government’s effort to improve accountability, end estimated billing, and rebuild public trust in the electricity sector.

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“This forum provides a vital platform for open dialogue between management and customers to address concerns on electricity distribution and service delivery,” Momoh said.

She added that customers could submit their applications through EKEDC’s online portal.

“New customers should visit the new connection section, while existing customers migrating from postpaid to prepaid can log into their accounts,” she said.

The application period, she stated, will run from Nov. 6 to Dec. 31, and participation is entirely free.

Momoh revealed that the company had already completed installations under Tranche A, while Tranche B officially began this week.

“We have installed over 15,000 free prepaid meters under Tranche A and have metered more than 450,000 customers across our network,” she said.

She stressed that customers were not required to make any payment for meter processing or installation.

“We have consistently warned customers not to make payments to installers.Meters and their installation are completely free under government-approved programmes such as the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) and the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme,” she added.

Momoh warned against fraudulent activities, noting that some individuals had been collecting money from unsuspecting customers for meters already covered by the scheme.

“As long as the meters are distributed within EKEDC’s network, installation remains free because vendors have been fully compensated,” she explained.

On the issue of tampering, she cautioned that bypassing or interfering with meters was an offence under the Electricity Act 2023 and NERC regulations.

“Bypassing or tampering with meters attracts severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and payment for stolen energy,” she warned.

Momoh added that meter tampering could also lead to electrical fires, equipment damage, or fatal electric shocks.

“Energy theft leads to revenue loss for DisCos and undermines service quality for all customers,” she added.

She encouraged customers to embrace prepaid meters and report any instances of energy theft or bypassing through EKEDC’s whistleblowing channels.

“We encourage customers to report cases of energy theft or meter bypass through our whistleblowing channels,” she said.

She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strict monitoring and enforcement to ensure that offenders face appropriate legal action.
A community leader, Mr Ifeanyi Inuoha, lauded EKEDC for organizing the interactive forum, describing it as a customer-focused initiative that helps address electricity supply issues.

He urged the company to follow through on resolutions reached during the meeting to improve trust and service delivery.
Inuoha also pledged community support to safeguard EKEDC’s assets and curb energy theft.

“We will continue to support EKEDC by monitoring equipment and exposing those involved in meter bypassing.Our communities regularly collaborate with law enforcement to prevent electricity theft, vandalism, and transformer damage,” he said.

He further called on residents to stay alert and report suspicious activities around electrical installations.

“Security is everyone’s responsibility. Reporting incidents helps protect our communities and ensures steady power supply,” he said.