FG Bans DisCos From Charging Consumers For Meter Installation
The Federal Government has banned electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and meter installers from collecting any payment from consumers for meter installation, with offenders facing prosecution.
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu issued the directive Thursday while inspecting newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Lagos. The meters are part of the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) designed to close Nigeria's metering gap.
"It is an offence for any DisCo official or installer to request a dime from consumers before installation. These meters must be distributed and installed completely free of charge," Adelabu stated.
About 500,000 new smart meters have arrived, adding to previous deliveries. The programme targets 3.4 million meters in two phases. Of the first 1.43 million meters, nearly one million have been delivered, with approximately 150,000 already installed nationwide.
The minister announced a customer complaint desk to report extortion attempts, with confirmed offenders facing public prosecution in collaboration with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Bureau of Public Enterprises Director-General Ayo Gbeleyi noted the meters are customized for specific DisCos with anti-theft features and monitored through digital dashboards for transparency.
Mojec Chairman Mrs Mojisola Abdul confirmed nearly 150,000 meters had been installed free of charge and urged consumers not to pay installers.
With over five million customers still on estimated billing, the programme aims to address trust and liquidity challenges in the power sector.
Source(s):
https://www.tvcnews.tv/fg-bans-discos-from-charging-consumers-for-meter-installation/
https://punchng.com/fg-bans-meter-installation-charges-threatens-sanctions/
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