KEY POINTS
- Power firm launches second phase of free prepaid meter rollout across Lagos and Ogun.
- Customers urged to apply only through official portal and avoid paying unauthorised agents.
- Initiative aims to curb estimated billing, energy theft and improve service transparency.
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Eko DisCo, has reaffirmed that its prepaid meters remain entirely free, cautioning customers to avoid unauthorised agents demanding money for installations or registration. The company made the announcement while launching the second phase of its free metering programme across its franchise areas in Lagos and parts of Ogun State.
The scheme is part of Eko DisCo’s ongoing efforts to close the metering gap and improve billing transparency under the federal Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) and Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP). By ensuring that customers pay only for the energy they consume, the company hopes to eliminate the long-standing challenge of estimated billing that has fuelled distrust within the electricity sector.
At a town hall meeting held in Ajah, Lagos, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Sam Edoho, who represented the Managing Director, Mrs Rekhiat Momoh, said the new phase of the exercise will run until 31 December 2025. He stressed that the process is completely free and open to all eligible customers.
“The free meters are here again. All customers need to do is apply through our official metering portal. There are no payments, no installation or processing fees,” Edoho said. “This is about fairness and accountability—customers will only pay for what they use.”
He explained that over 15,000 customers benefited during the first phase of the initiative, with the new rollout set to prioritise Band A and B customers before extending to others. Edoho noted that applications help the company verify customer data and assign meters accurately.
Company cracks down on meters fraud and energy theft
Eko DisCo also warned residents against dealing with middlemen or supposed “facilitators” claiming to help with meter applications. “There is nothing like a registration or installation fee,” Edoho warned. “Anyone who asks for payment is a fraudster and should be reported immediately through our whistleblower channels.”
While third-party vendors have been authorised to handle installations, the company clarified that their fees are already covered under the regulatory framework, meaning customers are not required to pay them. Residents were advised, however, to make their homes “meter-ready” by providing accessible external wall spaces for meter placement.
Edoho also used the occasion to address the growing problem of energy theft and meter bypassing, which he said continue to undermine stable power delivery. He warned that customers found tampering with meters or obstructing installation teams would face penalties, including disconnection.
To improve accessibility, Eko DisCo is deploying customer service officers across Ajah and on digital platforms, including WhatsApp, to assist residents with meter applications and billing complaints.
Community leaders present at the event praised the initiative. Mr Ifeanyichukwu Oluoha, representing the Ajah Business District Community, said the company’s engagement reflects genuine commitment to accountability. “This town hall shows that Eko DisCo listens. We’ll keep working with them to protect power assets and ensure everyone benefits from this free metering programme,” he said.
The company reaffirmed its pledge to sustain transparent and efficient electricity delivery through continued investment, customer engagement, and partnerships that promote accountability across the power sector.
