KEY POINTS
- Power Minister Adelabu directs IBEDC to fast-track installation of 59,000 prepaid meters to improve service delivery.
- Only 16,300 meters have been installed so far, raising concerns about billing, energy theft, and revenue losses.
- Minister urges adoption of embedded generation and mini-grid solutions to enhance electricity reliability and sector sustainability.
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, to accelerate the installation of 59,000 free prepaid meters allocated to its customers.
The directive came during a working visit to IBEDC in Ibadan on Saturday, aimed at assessing operational challenges and identifying how government support can improve service delivery.
Adelabu expressed concern that only about 16,300 of the allocated 59,000 meters have been installed so far, despite being part of the Federal Government’s Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) Metering Initiative.
The slow rollout has contributed to billing disputes, energy theft, and financial strain on the distribution company. He urged IBEDC to prioritize meter deployment to restore customer confidence and strengthen revenue collection.
Exploring Innovative Solutions for Reliable Power
The minister encouraged IBEDC to explore embedded generation opportunities, such as integrating up to 10 megawatts from the Ikere Gorge Dam concession to Quaint Energy, and consider franchising or interconnected mini-grid partnerships.
He stressed that the meters are meant to enhance transparency in billing, ensure accurate payments, and improve the financial sustainability of the company while supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader power sector reforms.
