FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BANS DISCOS FROM REQUESTING PAYMENT FOR METERS

The Federal Government has banned electricity distribution companies from collecting any form of payment from electricity consumers for meter installation, otherwise such Disco officials will be prosecuted. 

Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government during an inspection of imported smart meters at Apapa, Lagos State, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu disclosed that the meters were procured under the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme and for that reason, should be installed free of charge for electricity consumers in the country. The Minister warned that demand for money or any form of extortion will be regarded as an offence. 

The minister expressed hope that with the installation of meters, billings and collections will improve for the power sector. “I want to mention that it is unprecedented that these meters are to be installed and distributed to consumers free of charge—free of charge! Nobody should collect money from any consumer. It is an illegality. It is an offence for the officials of distribution companies across Nigeria to request a dime before installation; even the indirect installers cannot ask consumers for a dime. It has to be installed free of charge so that billings and collections will improve for the sector,” Adelabu said.