Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has commenced the distribution of free prepaid meters to Band A customers within its network under the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) scheme. This initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Government as part of the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), aims to accelerate the transition of customers from postpaid to prepaid metering while addressing the issue of faulty meters. The program is being monitored by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to ensure transparency and efficiency.
According to the General Manager of Corporate Communications at EKEDC, Babatunde Lasaki, the company is fully committed to ensuring the timely metering of eligible customers within the stipulated 60-day period. He urged Band A customers with obsolete or malfunctioning meters to take advantage of the initiative by applying for a replacement through the company’s website. Additionally, he encouraged postpaid customers under Band A feeders to submit their applications for immediate metering at no cost.
“The essence of this initiative is to enhance billing accuracy, reduce estimated billing complaints, and improve service delivery. We encourage all our Band A customers who qualify for this intervention to apply, as we are fully prepared to deploy these meters within the given timeline,” Lasaki stated.
He further clarified that the implementation of the MAF scheme does not render the existing Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme obsolete. Instead, both programs are running concurrently, providing multiple pathways for customers to obtain meters. Under the MAP scheme, customers who purchase their meters are eligible for reimbursement over time. However, the MAF initiative is an outright intervention by the Federal Government to provide meters free of charge to Band A customers.
Lasaki noted that while the current tranche of the MAF scheme is exclusively for Band A customers, future phases will be extended to other categories of electricity consumers within EKEDC’s coverage areas. He assured customers that additional tranches of the program would roll out in due course, bringing metering solutions to a broader segment of the population.
“The MAF scheme is not limited to Band A customers alone. However, this first phase is dedicated to them. More tranches will follow, ensuring that more customers across various bands benefit from this initiative,” he added.
The EKEDC spokesperson commended the Federal Government for its continued efforts to bridge the metering gap and improve overall performance within the power sector. He highlighted the importance of such interventions in enhancing customer experience, reducing disputes over estimated billing, and promoting efficiency in power distribution.
With Nigeria’s electricity sector grappling with metering deficits, the MAF scheme represents a strategic effort to address these challenges, ensuring that more customers receive accurate and fair billing. As EKEDC moves forward with this project, customers are encouraged to stay informed and take advantage of the initiative to improve their power supply experience.
