Adelabu warns power firms, installers against extortion as free meters roll out nationwide
The Federal Government has banned electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and meter installers from charging consumers for the installation of electricity meters, warning that any violation will attract strict sanctions, including prosecution.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during an inspection of newly imported electricity meters at the Apapa Port in Lagos. He stated that the meters were procured under the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme and are meant to be installed free of charge for beneficiaries.
Adelabu stressed that demanding or collecting money from customers for meter installation is illegal, adding that the government will not hesitate to take legal action against any DisCo or installer found extorting consumers.
He explained that the free meter rollout applies to customers across all tariff bands, as part of efforts to close Nigeria’s metering gap and end the practice of estimated billing.
The minister disclosed that millions of smart meters are being imported in phases, with installations already ongoing nationwide, aimed at improving transparency in electricity billing and strengthening revenue collection in the power sector.
He also assured Nigerians that the Ministry of Power would closely monitor the installation process and provide channels for consumers to report any illegal charges or sharp practices by electricity providers.
