The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has begun the rollout of the second phase of its free prepaid meter distribution under the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) programme, designed to eliminate estimated billing and expand metering coverage in Nigeria’s power sector.
According to a statement from EEDC’s Group Head of Corporate Communications, Emeka Ezeh, the new phase—tagged “Tranche B”—targets 13,335 unmetered customers connected to Band “A” feeders across the South-East region. The exercise commenced on November 2, 2025, with a customer verification process to ensure accurate data for deployment.
Ezeh explained that the meters are fully funded through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) Meter Acquisition Fund initiative, stressing that beneficiaries are not required to make any payment for the meters or their installation.
“These meters are completely free, and customers should not offer money or gifts to installers. Any form of payment, inducement, or extortion should be reported immediately,” he cautioned.
He added that the company is committed to improving service transparency and customer satisfaction while urging consumers to update their contact details at the nearest EEDC customer service office to facilitate smooth communication during the rollout.
Ezeh noted that EEDC had earlier completed the first phase of the MAF programme, “Tranche A,” which saw 13,614 Band “A” customers receive prepaid meters. He assured that once all customers in Band “A” are covered, the company will shift focus to those in Band “B,” as part of efforts to close the metering gap in its network.
He also appealed for patience from customers not captured in the current phase, saying another metering initiative, the Distribution Sector Recovery Project (DISREP), will soon cater to additional consumers.
Ezeh warned against tampering with or bypassing the meters, emphasizing that such illegal acts undermine national efforts to improve energy accountability and protect revenue.
“Energy theft and meter bypass defeat the purpose of these interventions. Customers must avoid such practices and report any suspicious activity,” he advised.
The metering programme aligns with the federal government’s ongoing push to modernize Nigeria’s electricity distribution system and enhance transparency between power firms and consumers.
