EEDC Launches Second Phase of Free Prepaid Meter Distribution
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has officially resumed the distribution of free prepaid meters to electricity consumers across Southeast Nigeria. This significant initiative marks the second phase of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) program established by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Priority Given to Band A Customers
According to company officials, the current phase specifically targets unmetered customers on Band A feeders throughout the five states served by EEDC. These states include Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi. The distribution company emphasized that both the meters and their installation are completely free of charge.
Emeka Ezeh, Head of Corporate Communications at EEDC, confirmed that the Tranche B phase began on November 2, 2025, with a Know Your Customer (KYC) verification exercise. He revealed that approximately 13,335 customers are expected to benefit from this second phase of the meter distribution program.
Company Issues Strong Warning Against Meter Bypassing
The EEDC has issued a stern warning to residents of the Southeast region against the practice of meter bypassing. Company representatives described this as a criminal activity that constitutes energy theft and urged customers to report anyone involved in such practices.
Ezeh specifically cautioned customers against making any payments to meter installers or succumbing to extortion attempts. "These meters and their installation are free, and customers are cautioned against making any form of payment to the meter installers or succumbing to any form of inducement or extortion," he stated emphatically.
Expanding Meter Access Across Customer Bands
The communications head noted that the completed Tranche A phase had already benefited 13,614 Band A customers. He assured that once all Band A customers are properly metered, the company will extend the exercise to include Band B customers.
Ezeh explained that this initiative aligns with the company's commitment to improving service transparency and customer satisfaction while addressing the persistent meter gap in Nigeria's power sector. The program is expected to significantly reduce the problem of estimated billing that has plagued electricity consumers for years.
Customers who may not be captured in the current Tranche B exercise have been advised to remain patient, as another initiative called the Distribution Sector Recovery Project is underway. The EEDC urged all customers to verify and update their contact information by visiting the Customer Service Unit at their local distribution company office.
The company has provided multiple channels for customers to report cases of meter bypass, energy theft, or extortion attempts. These include their call center at 02084700100 and WhatsApp lines 0707 461 0095 and 0707 461 0088.
This MAF program, which is scheduled to conclude by December 31, 2025, represents a major step in the federal government's effort to provide free prepaid meters to Nigerians on bands A and B. The current market prices for prepaid meters range from over N133,000 to N219,497, making this free distribution program particularly significant for electricity consumers.
