IBEDC Resumes Distribution of Over 55,000 Free Meters, Cautions Against Bypass, Extortion

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has announced the resumption of its mass rollout of over 55,000 free prepaid meters, reaffirming its commitment to improving metering coverage, reducing estimated billing controversies, and enhancing customer satisfaction across its franchise areas. This renewed metering drive, implemented under the Federal Government–backed National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP), is expected to accelerate the transition to more transparent and efficient energy consumption accounting.

In a statement, the utility company explained that the fresh phase of meter distribution would prioritise communities and business clusters with high levels of customer complaints, especially those long affected by estimated billing and tariff disputes. IBEDC emphasised that metering remains central to restoring consumer confidence and boosting collection efficiency, as prepaid meters eliminate billing inaccuracies and help customers manage electricity usage more effectively.

The company disclosed that the new batch of meters would be deployed across Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara, and parts of Niger and Ekiti states. To ensure fairness, IBEDC said the allocation is guided by verified customer data, feeder-level assessments, and vulnerability indices, with particular attention to underserved areas. Residents have been advised to make themselves available for enumeration and installation when field teams arrive in their localities.

As the rollout begins, IBEDC issued a strong warning to customers to avoid engaging in meter bypass, illegal connections, or bribery during the distribution exercise. The company clarified that the meters are completely free of charge, and no staff member or contractor is authorised to solicit payments before, during, or after installation. Customers were urged to immediately report any cases of extortion, misconduct, or sabotage to the company’s official channels.

Meter bypass, according to IBEDC, remains a major threat to its operations, resulting in significant revenue losses and operational constraints. The company stressed that such acts are regarded as energy theft and attract legal consequences, including prosecution and penalties, under relevant electricity regulatory frameworks. By curbing bypass and illegal connections, IBEDC believes the distribution network will be more stable, voltage supply improved, and operational planning made more efficient.

The DisCo also appealed to community leaders, business associations, and resident groups to support the smooth execution of the metering programme by providing clear access to premises, mobilising residents, and discouraging interference with installation crews. IBEDC noted that strong community participation is crucial to the success of the initiative, particularly in densely populated clusters and areas with history of technical losses.

To guarantee transparency, the company revealed that all field staff and contractors involved in the installation exercise have been appropriately trained and accredited. They will be equipped with identification tags, uniforms, and handheld devices that synchronise customer information with the central billing system to ensure accurate onboarding. Customers were advised to verify the identity of installers before granting access to their premises.

IBEDC further highlighted that metering directly supports national efforts toward a more efficient electricity market. With more customers migrating to prepaid meters, energy accountability improves, aiding grid planning and reducing commercial losses. The company added that this progress is essential in the broader context of the electricity sector reforms, which aim to enable cost-reflective tariffs, improve reliability, and attract investment into power infrastructure.

Additionally, the DisCo reassured customers experiencing delays in meter deployment that logistics and supply gaps from earlier phases have now been resolved. The new metering cycle, it said, is backed by enhanced inventory management and improved contractor coordination. Customers who have already been enumerated will be contacted in batches, while others yet to register are encouraged to do so through official IBEDC centres or designated customer enumeration points.

As Nigeria continues to navigate the challenges of an evolving electricity market, IBEDC’s recommitment to mass metering marks an important step in addressing long-standing billing disputes and promoting energy efficiency. By distributing over 55,000 free meters and intensifying its public sensitisation against bypass and extortion, the company aims to foster a more transparent and accountable electricity supply system.

 

The success of this initiative, however, will depend heavily on customer cooperation, vigilance, and sustained enforcement against illegal activities. For IBEDC, the metering rollout is not just a technical exercise but a critical component of building trust, strengthening revenue assurance, and delivering better service to millions of customers across its operational zones.