*Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister for Power, agrees an estimated billing system is ripping off electricity consumers, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Power, is purchasing total 10 million prepayment meters to be distributed across the country over the next five years

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

As part of broader measures to address the burning issue estimated billing system in the country鈥檚 electricity ecosystem, the Federal Government of Nigeria has disclosed plans to purchase and distribute two million prepaid meters to Nigerians before the end of the First Quarter (Q1) 2025.

绿帽献妻 learnt Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Honourable Minister for Power, said this during a media chat at the recent commissioning of the Mobile Power Substations in Oyo and Ogun states, South-West of the country.

Adelabu expressed the Nigerian Government鈥檚 disapproval of the controversial estimated billing practice by electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).

The Minister also stated the Federal Government鈥檚 proposed distribution of two million meters is part of a larger plan to provide 10 million prepayment meters nationwide over the next five years.

He further noted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 commitment to ensuring an uninterrupted power supply across the country, but this goal requires the cooperation of power consumers.

鈥淎n Estimated Billing System is ripping off consumers; hence the reason the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power, is purchasing ten million prepaid meters to be distributed across the country.

鈥淥ut of these figures, two million prepaid meters will be distributed before the end of the first quarter of 2025,鈥� said he.

Chief Adelabu stated: 鈥淲hile the Federal Government is doing everything to make the country habitable for the people, customers should desist from their notion of bypassing connections.

鈥淎lso, people should refrain from vandalising and stealing electricity cables. The government, aside from spending fortunes to replace stolen equipment, is also affecting power supply nationwide.鈥�

On high electricity tariffs and renewable energy options

In respect of the relatively high electricity tariffs in Nigeria as of now, Minister Adelabu said though the satiation is not peculiar to Nigeria, the government is intensifying efforts at easing off the burden through renewable energy options.

He noted: 鈥淭he Renewable Energy initiative of the Federal Government aims to alleviate the burden of the rising cost of energy.

鈥淭he rising cost of energy is taking a toll not only on households but also on our institutions of learning.鈥�

The Minister said: 鈥淭he government has concluded a plan to deploy an Alternative Renewable Energy Grid and Solar Energy Grid to universities, teaching hospitals, and research institutes nationwide.鈥�