Nigeria’s Power Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, has announced a significant development in the country’s efforts to address its metering gap. By the second quarter of 2025, Nigeria is expected to receive 1.3 million electricity meters, marking a major milestone in promoting transparency in billing and reducing the existing 7-million metering gap.
This initiative is part of the Presidential Meter Initiative program, which aims to bridge the gap between the number of electricity customers and the available meters. With over 12 million electricity customers in Nigeria, only about 5 million are currently metered, leaving a substantial number without access to accurate billing.
The Nigerian government has committed N100 billion to finance the importation of these meters, demonstrating its resolve to address the challenges faced by the power sector.
The World Bank has also pledged support, with $200 million allocated from the $500 million Distribution Sector Recovery Program (DISREP) fund for meter procurement.
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Key Benefits of the Initiative:
– Improved Transparency: Accurate billing and reduced estimated billing disputes
– Increased Efficiency: Reduced energy waste and optimized energy consumption
– Enhanced Customer Experience: Access to real-time energy usage data and improved customer service
Challenges Ahead:
– Implementation Timeline: Meeting the Q2 2025 deadline for meter deployment
– Local Manufacturing Capacity: Balancing imported meters with local production to support economic growth
– Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term viability of the metering program
As Nigeria strives to overcome its energy challenges, this initiative represents a significant step forward. With the government’s commitment and international support, the country is poised to make tangible progress in addressing its metering gap and promoting transparency in billing.
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