Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Begins Free Prepaid Meter Rollout

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has commenced the rollout of free prepaid meters to residential and small business customers across its network, marking a significant step toward reducing estimated billing and improving revenue collection. The initiative is part of the company’s commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction, increasing transparency, and promoting efficient electricity usage.

The distribution company, which serves millions of consumers in the South-East and parts of the South-South, announced that the free metering programme targets both new connections and existing unmetered customers. Under the scheme, eligible consumers will receive prepaid meters at no cost, allowing them to pay for electricity based on actual consumption rather than estimated bills, which have historically led to disputes and complaints.

During the launch event in Enugu, the Managing Director of EEDC, Mr. Onyekachi Eze, emphasized that the programme aligns with the federal government’s National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) directives. “Our goal is to ensure that every consumer within our network has access to accurate metering. This will improve billing transparency, encourage energy efficiency, and foster trust between the utility and its customers,” he said.

Eze highlighted that prepaid meters offer multiple benefits to both consumers and the distribution company. For customers, prepaid meters enable better control over electricity usage, reduce the risk of disconnections due to unpaid bills, and eliminate disputes over estimated consumption. For EEDC, the rollout enhances revenue assurance, reduces technical and commercial losses, and strengthens the financial viability of the distribution network.

The company revealed that the initial phase of the rollout will focus on urban centres with high unmetered customer density, while subsequent phases will extend to semi-urban and rural communities. EEDC also assured consumers that installation would be carried out professionally and that technical teams would provide guidance on using the prepaid meters effectively.

Stakeholders in the power sector have lauded the initiative as a critical step toward achieving full metering coverage in Nigeria. Analysts noted that expanding prepaid metering is essential for improving the financial sustainability of distribution companies, as unmetered consumption has historically led to significant revenue shortfalls. The programme is also expected to encourage responsible energy consumption among customers, contributing to overall system efficiency.

Consumer advocacy groups welcomed EEDC’s efforts, emphasizing that the free rollout addresses a longstanding demand for equitable billing practices. “Providing prepaid meters to all consumers ensures transparency and fairness. It is a positive development that will reduce billing disputes and enhance consumer confidence in the electricity sector,” said a representative of the Nigerian Consumer Protection Network.

EEDC further explained that the rollout is supported by partnerships with Meter Asset Providers (MAPs), which supply, install, and maintain prepaid meters while allowing consumers to pay in manageable instalments where necessary. This collaboration has accelerated the deployment process and ensured that high-quality meters are delivered efficiently to eligible customers.

The company also indicated that the programme would be complemented by customer education campaigns to guide consumers on how to monitor consumption, recharge units, and manage electricity costs effectively. EEDC noted that informed consumers are better positioned to optimise their energy usage, reduce wastage, and contribute to overall grid stability.

Industry observers stressed that the free prepaid meter rollout could set a precedent for other distribution companies in the country. As EEDC takes the lead, analysts believe that a nationwide push for meter deployment will improve revenue collection, reduce losses, and attract further investment into the power sector. Such reforms are seen as pivotal in supporting the federal government’s efforts to increase electricity access and reliability across Nigeria.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has welcomed the initiative, reiterating its directive that all distribution companies ensure increased metering coverage and compliance with regulatory standards. NERC noted that prepaid meters are essential for modernising the sector, providing accurate billing, and supporting reforms aimed at achieving a sustainable and efficient electricity market.

EEDC has assured customers that the free prepaid meters will be installed without hidden costs or charges, and the programme will be continuously monitored to ensure fairness and effectiveness. The company called on consumers to cooperate during the installation process and take full advantage of the benefits of prepaid metering.

With the commencement of this programme, EEDC aims to contribute significantly to achieving national electricity metering targets, reduce estimated billing disputes, and enhance consumer satisfaction. The initiative underscores the company’s commitment to modernising the power sector, improving revenue collection, and delivering reliable electricity services to its customers.