The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) says it has received 75,000 electricity meters from the Federal Government under the ongoing free metering programme, cautioning customers that the meters and their installation are provided free of charge and must not be paid for by end-users.
Managing Director of BEDC Electricity Plc, Mr. Jonathan Lawani, made the disclosure on Thursday at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement meeting held in Benin City, adding that installation of the meters is already underway across the company’s franchise states.
Lawani said the company is expecting a total of 161,000 meters for distribution under the Federal Government initiative, which covers its four franchise states of Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti. He explained that more than 38,000 meters from the current consignment have been allocated to the three operational regions in Edo State — Benin, Uromi and Auchi — where installation is in progress.
He emphasised that the meters being deployed are part of the Federal Government’s effort to address the country’s metering deficit, improve billing accuracy and reduce reliance on estimated billing, a practice that has long been a source of dispute between electricity consumers and distribution companies.
Lawani warned consumers against paying for the meters or their installation, saying such charges are unauthorised and should be reported to the appropriate authorities. He also addressed concerns from some customers who have rejected the meters based on the misconception that prepaid metering increases electricity consumption.
He urged residents to report any illegal charges or irregularities and cautioned against electricity theft, noting that individuals found to be tampering with meters or involved in extortion would be dealt with according to regulations.
In his remarks at the event, the Edo State Commissioner for Power, Mr. Paul Usenbor, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving electricity supply and announced plans to establish a meter assembly plant in the state as part of efforts to boost local capacity and infrastructure.
Usenbor said Governor Monday Okpebholo had prioritised reliable, round-the-clock power supply for residents and public institutions, describing the stakeholder engagement as reflective of a shared commitment to enhancing service delivery and customer response mechanisms.
The Federal Government’s free metering programme forms part of broader initiatives aimed at closing the national metering gap and enhancing transparency in electricity billing, with distribution companies across the country participating in the deployment of free prepaid meters to qualified customers.
