BEDC receives 75,000 free meters, warns customers against payment

Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has received 75,000 free electricity meters from the Federal Government for distribution across its franchise states, and is warning customers that both the meters and their installation are entirely free of charge.

The delivery of the meters represents a significant boost to efforts aimed at closing the metering gap in BEDC’s coverage area, which includes Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ekiti states. The mass metering initiative is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to improve billing accuracy and reduce estimated billing disputes between distribution companies and consumers.

In announcing the receipt of the meters, BEDC emphasized that customers should not make any payment for the meters or their installation, cautioning against potential scams by individuals or groups who may attempt to exploit the distribution process by demanding money from unsuspecting consumers.

The warning comes amid reports that some unscrupulous individuals have been approaching electricity customers claiming to facilitate meter installation in exchange for fees. BEDC management stressed that any request for payment in connection with the free meter program should be reported to the company and security agencies.

The 75,000 meters are expected to significantly reduce the number of customers currently on estimated billing, a practice that has been a major source of complaints and disputes. Estimated billing often results in inflated charges and has been cited as one of the primary grievances consumers have with electricity distribution companies across Nigeria.

BEDC has indicated that it will announce a transparent process for meter allocation and installation, ensuring that distribution is conducted fairly and reaches customers who have been waiting longest for prepaid meters. The company urged customers to remain patient and follow official channels for information about the metering program.

The federal government’s provision of free meters is part of the National Mass Metering Program (NMMP), which aims to bridge the metering gap across the country and improve revenue collection for distribution companies while providing relief to consumers tired of paying for electricity they may not have consumed.

Electricity consumers in BEDC’s franchise area have welcomed the arrival of the meters, expressing hope that the initiative will bring an end to the contentious issue of estimated billing. However, many have also called for transparency in the distribution process to ensure that meters reach genuine customers rather than being diverted.

BEDC management promised to work closely with relevant stakeholders, including community leaders and customer forums, to ensure smooth and equitable distribution of the meters. The company has also set up dedicated channels for customers to report any attempts at extortion or corruption related to the metering program.

The distribution company urged customers to verify any communication regarding meter installation through official BEDC channels and to report suspicious activities to prevent fraudsters from exploiting the free meter initiative.