The federal government has begun the distribution of new meters for Band A customers.
The free metering scheme introduced for Band A customers by the government began in April 2024 upon the removal of subsidy for the band.
The latest exercise made it the second time government would embark on the exercise.
The meters which were procured under the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) Metering Scheme will see 1.3 million meters distributed to the customers leaving out customers on other bands.
Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED Plc) confirmed the commencement of the programme in a statement its issued.
In it, JED Plc said it would distribute and install 109,000 prepaid meters free of charge for only customers on Band A feeders.
The power company stated that the metering scheme is aimed at improving service delivery and bridging the metering gap in its franchise areas of Bauchi, Benue, Gombe and Plateau States, with a pilot phase in Plateau State.
“The scheme will not cover New Connections as all new connections must apply Via the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme and no direct connection on Band A feeders will be allowed,” the statement read in part.
“Any customer who makes such payments does so at their own risk, as the company will not be liable for any loss incurred. Fraud-related complaints should be reported, with evidence to our communication channels.
“The new prepaid meters feature advanced technology to enhance efficiency, security, and transparency. These include: Automated token uploads, eliminating the need for manual entry via the User Interface Unit (UIU); geo-lock functionality, ensuring meters only operate at the assigned GPS location in JED Pic’s database; seamless meter capturing; real-time consumption monitoring, with alerts sent to JED Plc when tokens are exhausted or in cases of prolonged non-purchase,” it continued.
