Controversy Trails Alleged Abandonment of 19,500 Federal Government Prepaid Meters in Enugu
Controversy Trails Alleged Abandonment of 19,500 Federal Government Prepaid Meters in Enugu
Concerns have emerged in Enugu State following allegations that about 19,500 prepaid electricity meters supplied under the Federal Government’s Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) have remained unused for an extended period, despite growing demand from electricity consumers.
The development has sparked criticism from stakeholders and residents who argue that thousands of households and businesses continue to grapple with estimated billing while the meters reportedly remain uninstalled.
According to reports, the meters were procured under the Federal Government’s intervention programme designed to improve electricity distribution, increase metering coverage, and reduce disputes arising from estimated billing. However, allegations suggest that the devices have been left in storage facilities without being deployed to eligible consumers.
Consumer rights advocates have described the situation as a setback to ongoing efforts aimed at improving access to prepaid metering and enhancing transparency within the power sector. They argued that timely installation of the meters would help address long-standing complaints from electricity users regarding billing practices.
Stakeholders have called on relevant authorities, including electricity distribution companies and regulatory agencies, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged delay and ensure that the meters are distributed to deserving consumers without further postponement.
Industry observers note that Nigeria continues to face a significant metering gap, with millions of electricity customers yet to receive prepaid meters. As a result, government initiatives such as DISREP have been viewed as critical tools for improving service delivery and boosting consumer confidence.
Residents affected by the situation have urged authorities to take urgent action, stressing that access to prepaid meters would enable consumers to better monitor electricity consumption and avoid disputes over estimated charges.
The controversy has reignited conversations about accountability, efficiency, and project implementation within Nigeria’s power sector, with stakeholders demanding greater transparency in the management of public intervention programmes.
As calls for action intensify, attention is expected to focus on the agencies and institutions responsible for the procurement, storage, and distribution of the meters, as Nigerians await clarification on the status of the project.
