The federal government has denounced the estimated billing system for energy supply to homes by Distribution Companies (DisCos) nationwide, stating that this has necessitated its plan to provide for 10 million prepaid meters to be distributed nationally. in the next five years.
The first phase of the project will be the purchase and distribution of two million prepaid meters before the end of the first quarter of 2025.
The Minister of Energy, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this in a side interview during the commissioning of mobile power substations in Oyo and Ogun states respectively.
He added that President Bola Tinubu is working to ensure uninterrupted power supply across the country but needs the cooperation of consumers.
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He said: “An estimated billing system is ripping off consumers, hence the federal government, through the Ministry of Energy, is purchasing 10 million prepaid meters to distribute across the country.
“Of these figures, two million prepaid meters will be distributed before the end of the first quarter of 2025.
“While the federal government does everything it can to make the country habitable for the population, customers should abandon the idea of avoiding connection.
“Also, people should stop destroying and stealing electrical cables. The government, in addition to spending fortunes to replace stolen equipment, is also affecting the supply of electricity throughout the country.”
On the rising cost of energy supply, the Minister argued that it is not unique to Nigeria but assured the people that the government is doing everything possible to ease the burden through renewable energy.
In his words, “The federal government's renewable energy aims to alleviate the burden of rising energy costs.
“The rising cost of energy is taking a toll not only on households but also on our learning institutions.
“The government has finalized a plan to deploy an alternative renewable energy network and a solar energy network in universities, teaching hospitals and research institutes across the country,” Adelabu added.
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