IBEDC rolls out 55,000 free meters, warns customers against extortion, bypass

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has restarted the installation of free prepaid meters for customers, PM News has learnt.

This is part of two programmes  the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) Tranche B and Phase 1 of the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP).

Both programmes aim to reduce the number of customers still without meters.

According to the company’s Corporate Services Head, Angela Olanrewaju, IBEDC will install 33,450 smart meters under the MAF Tranche B and 22,104 meters under the DISREP scheme.

She explained that the MAF meters will go first to customers on Band A, while the DISREP meters will go to customers on Bands A and B.

IBEDC stressed that the meters and the installation are completely free. Customers must not pay any installer or IBEDC staff.

The company said the MAF scheme is funded through a system approved by NERC to help electricity companies provide more meters across Nigeria. Unlike the MAP scheme, customers do not need to apply, and the MAF meters are given at no cost.

The company added that installers will visit neighbourhoods one after another, and customers do not need to go to IBEDC offices.

IBEDC also asked customers to allow installers access to their homes once they show a valid ID. Refusing them may lead to disconnection, as directed by NERC.

The company warned customers not to tamper with the new meters or try to bypass them. This is considered energy theft and will lead to serious punishment.

Customers who are owing bills should visit any IBEDC office to settle their arrears.

However, owing money will not stop anyone from receiving a free meter under the programme.