IBEDC Rolls Out 55,000 Free Meters, Warns Against Extortion and Bypass
By Adewale Owoade
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has announced the resumption of its free prepaid meter installation exercise under Tranche B of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) and Phase 1 of the Distribution Sector Recovery Program (DISREP), two major initiatives aimed at closing the metering gap across its franchise area.
In a statement signed by the Coordinating Head, Corporate Services, Angela Olanrewaju, the company said a total of 33,450 smart meters will be deployed under MAF Tranche B, while 22,104 meters will be installed under DISREP Phase 1.
IBEDC explained that the MAF rollout prioritizes unmetered customers on Band A feeders, while DISREP will cater to customers on Bands A and B.
The company reaffirmed that both the meters and installation are entirely free, cautioning customers against making any payment to installers or staff.
“The meters are completely free, and installation is also free. Customers must not make any form of payment to anyone. Anyone requesting money should be reported via maf_disrep@ibedc.com or ethicscompliance@ibedc.com,” the statement emphasised.
IBEDC noted that the MAF scheme is funded through a market-supported mechanism approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to help electricity distribution companies bridge the metering gap nationwide.
“The scheme complements the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) and is designed to accelerate nationwide metering. It will run concurrently with the MAP scheme, but unlike MAP, MAF meters come at no cost to customers,” the statement added.
The company urged customers to cooperate with installers by granting them access upon presentation of valid identification.
“Denying access for meter installation may result in disconnection as directed by NERC. We urge customers to cooperate fully so we can serve them better.”
IBEDC also warned against tampering with or bypassing the new meters, stressing that such acts constitute energy theft and attract serious penalties.
Customers with outstanding arrears were encouraged to visit the nearest IBEDC office for resolution to ensure a smooth transition to prepaid metering. However, the company clarified that outstanding bills will not disqualify any customer from receiving a free meter.
“No customer will be denied a meter on account of outstanding bills. Arrears will be managed in line with the company’s debt settlement policy and established procedures,” the statement said.
