FG Targets 2 Million Free Meters in 2025 Under Presidential Metering Initiative

In line with the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), the federal government has announced that about two million meters will be distributed in 2025 with a target of 10 million meters over the next five years.

The PMI aims to close the metering gap and eliminate estimated billing in Nigeria by providing free meters to households and ensuring wider access across the country.

This was disclosed on Monday by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communications and Media, Tunji Bolaji.

It should be recalled that as of June 30, 2024, only 5,993,340 (45.43 percent) out of the 13,192,573 registered electricity customers across the twelve DisCos had been metered.

This leaves over 7 million unmetered citizens struggling with estimated bills and excessive charges.

Investors King gathered that the PMI was established to address the financial burden of acquiring meters and ensure equitable access to metering solutions.

According to Bolaji, meter distribution will commence in the first quarter of 2025 as part of the current administration’s infrastructure development program.

He stated, “We are still on course with the Presidential Metering Initiative, and we expect the delivery of meters to begin by the first quarter of next year. The plan is to distribute about two million meters next year and 10 million meters over five years, in tranches.”

“The government is working with local manufacturers. In recent months, the minister has inspected local production facilities to ensure they can deliver on the project. So, we expect meters from these local manufacturers,” he added.

This initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency of the power sector and build trust between citizens and electricity distribution companies (DisCos).