The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) faces scrutiny as over 19,500 free prepaid smart meters reportedly lie unused at the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) premises, more than nine months after delivery. This situation persists despite the widening metering gap in the southeast region.
Background of the DISREP Program
The smart meters, intended for the southeast, were received in September last year as part of the federal government's Distribution Sector Recovery Program (DISREP), funded by the World Bank. All 11 electricity distribution companies (DISCOS) in Nigeria received varying quantities. The Ministry of Power had designated these meters as a free national rollout to prevent overcharging and bridge metering gaps.
Current Metering Situation
With the deregulated pricing framework by NERC, a three-phase prepaid meter now costs about N226,000, while a single-phase meter sells for around N129,000 in the southeast. According to NERC, as of September last year, there were 691,639 unmetered customers under the EEDC network, representing approximately 50.5 percent of its total registered customer base of 1,369,440. Many customers remain on controversial estimated billings.
World Bank Funding and Allocation
The meters, supplied by a Chinese company, are procured under a $500 million World Bank facility targeting about 3.2 million smart meters nationwide, distributed across the 11 DISCOS. EEDC, accounting for roughly nine percent of Nigeria's grid customer base, is projected to receive about 290,000 smart meters.
Expert Concerns
Emmanuel Effiong, a Policy and Government Relations Professional, warned that the metering deficit could hinder the successful implementation of the new Prosumer Electricity Regulations, despite its potential to transform the power sector. He emphasized that effective implementation is critical for achieving intended outcomes.
EEDC's Response
Emeka Ezeh, EEDC's Group Head of Corporate Communications, stated that the DISREP program has not been abandoned. He explained that the company is working to integrate the meters with its system, which recently migrated to the SuperEdge prepaid vending system. Ezeh confirmed that EEDC took delivery of 19,500 prepaid meters for DISREP, noting that the project is a loan, not a grant, and must be serviced. He expressed excitement about the initiative, which aims to close the metering gap.
