FG To End Estimated Billing By End Of 2024 – Adelabu
In
its commitment to make life more bearable for Nigerians, the federal government
has reinstated its commitment to end
estimated billing in the nation’s power sector by the end of this year.
The Minister of Power,
Adebayo Adelabu stated this during his working tour of power facilities in
Nigeria to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
While engaging with the management of IBEDC, Adelabu emphasized
that the objective of the meeting was to foster increased collaboration with
pertinent stakeholders, aiming to explore avenues for advancing the power
sector.
The minister
noted the substantial metering gap in Nigeria, stating that around 50% of
customers within the coverage area still needed proper metering.
He said,
“Citizens are tired of estimated billing because estimated billing always leads
to cheating between consumers, staff, and company.”
“Before the end
of this year, we are looking at the possibility of ending estimated billing
because we want transparency and objectivity in our billing system,”
He noted that
President Tinubu has established a Presidential metering initiative to
harmonise all metering acquisitions in the country.
He stated, “We
have up to eight million meters gap in Nigeria and the initiative seeks to close this gap within three to five years.”
“This means
that an average of two million meters is required every year and
achieving the target is compulsory for citizens to enjoy stable power supply,’’
He further
emphasized the need to cease the practice where communities pool funds to
procure transformers, cables, and other electrical equipment.
Additionally,
the minister assured that any forthcoming electricity tariff review would be
conducted in a manner that does not further burden citizens.
He stressed
that there will be thorough sensitization and public enlightenment before
implementing any tariff adjustments.
Furthermore, he
assured that the review process would be gradual, aiming to have minimal to no
impact on low-income earners and individuals in areas with limited power supply
duration.
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