EKEDC urges customers to take advantage of free prepaid metering programme
By Yunus Yusuf
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has called on customers within its network to take advantage of the ongoing second phase of its free prepaid meter rollout under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI).
The initiative, financed through the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) Tranche B, is designed to bridge the metering gap across EKEDC’s franchise area and enhance transparency in electricity billing.
Mrs Rekhiat Momoh, Acting Chief Executive Officer of EKEDC, made the appeal during a customer engagement forum held on Thursday at the Lekki Business Unit in Lagos.
The Lekki Business District covers areas including Ikota, Oke Ira, Addo, Badore, Ajah, Ilaje, Ikeja Mobil, Ogombo, Thomas Estate, Abraham Adesanya, and Lekki Scheme 2.
The Meter Acquisition Fund serves as a key financing mechanism within the PMI, approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Momoh was represented by the Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Samuel Edoho, stated that under the current phase, Band A and Band B customers are eligible to receive prepaid meters at no cost.
She explained that the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of promoting transparency, eliminating estimated billing, and improving consumer confidence in the power sector.
“This forum provides a vital platform for open dialogue between our management and customers, helping us address concerns around electricity distribution and service delivery,” Momoh said.
She added that eligible customers can apply through the Eko DisCo online portal.
“New customers seeking a connection should visit the new connection section, while existing customers who wish to migrate from postpaid to prepaid, or replace damaged or obsolete meters, can register or log into their accounts,” she said.
She added that applications will remain open from November 6 to December 31, 2025, entirely free of charge.
Momoh disclosed that EKEDC has already completed installations under Tranche A, adding that Tranche B officially commenced this week.
“We have successfully installed over 15,000 free prepaid meters under Tranche A and have metered more than 450,000 customers across our network,” she said.
Momoh emphasised that customers are not required to pay any fee for the processing or installation of electricity meters.
“We have consistently warned customers not to make any payments to installers,” she stressed.
“Meters and their installation are completely free under government-approved programmes such as the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) and the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme.”
She warned against fraudulent activities, revealing that some individuals had been collecting money from unsuspecting customers for meter installations that are already prepaid under the initiative.
“As long as the meters are distributed within the EKEDC network, installation remains free because vendors have been fully compensated,” she said.
On the issue of meter bypassing, Momoh cautioned that such acts are illegal and punishable offenses under the Electricity Act 2023 and NERC regulations.
“Bypassing or tampering with meters attracts severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and payment for stolen energy,” she warned.
She also highlighted the dangers of meter tampering, noting that it could lead to electrical fires, equipment damage, and fatal electric shocks.
“Energy theft not only leads to revenue loss for DisCos but also undermines service quality for all customers,” she added.
Momoh urged customers to embrace prepaid meters and avoid illegal practices linked to estimated billing disputes.
“We encourage customers to report any case of energy theft or meter bypass through our official whistleblowing channels,” she said.
She reiterated EKEDC’s commitment to intensified monitoring and enforcement, assuring that all offenders would face the full weight of the law.
A community leader, Mr Ifeanyi Inuoha, commended EKEDC for organizing the customer forum, describing it as a “customer-centric initiative” aimed at resolving residents’ power challenges.
He urged the company to ensure that all resolutions from the meeting are implemented before subsequent forums to foster trust and stronger relationships with customers.
Inuoha pledged to mobilise residents to protect EKEDC’s assets and report cases of electricity theft.
“We will continue to support EKEDC by monitoring their equipment and exposing those involved in meter bypassing,” he said.
“Our communities regularly collaborate with law enforcement to reduce electricity theft, vandalism, and transformer damage, as such losses affect everyone.”
He called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around electrical installations.
“Security is everyone’s responsibility,” Inuoha concluded. “When we report, it becomes easier to protect our communities and ensure steady power supply.”
