The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) says it is working closely with key stakeholders in the power sector to close Nigeria’s electricity metering gap, currently estimated at 5.66 million meters.
The Director-General of the bureau, Mr Ayodeji Gbeleyi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a strategic meeting with Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) on the implementation of free meter distribution and installation for electricity consumers.
Gbeleyi said the agency is collaborating with the 11 DISCOs nationwide to intensify the rollout of free meters and ensure wider coverage for electricity users.
He explained that the meeting was also aimed at reviewing the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), which is designed to address the country’s metering deficit.
According to him, under the first phase of the programme, which is funded through a 500-million-dollar facility provided by the World Bank, 700,000 meters have been supplied, out of which about 200,000 have been installed.
The BPE chief urged DISCOs to strictly implement the programme by ensuring that all electricity consumers are metered in line with the federal government’s policy direction and reform objectives for the power sector.
He noted that DISREP is a World Bank-supported initiative focused on improving the operational efficiency and financial sustainability of electricity distribution companies, with particular emphasis on closing the metering gap.
Gbeleyi added that the intervention is expected to support the federal government’s goal of achieving improved service delivery and financial viability in the power sector before the end of the year.
In their separate remarks, representatives of the DISCOs expressed support for the programme and pledged their commitment to its successful implementation.
They, however, raised concerns over alleged extortion by some meter installers and assured that any individual found engaging in such practices would