Aba Power Rolls Out 20,000 Free Prepaid Meters in Abia to Boost Transparency, Combat Energy Theft

Aba Power has launched a ₦3.5 billion rollout of 20,000 free prepaid meters along the Aba-Owerri axis to tackle estimated billing and improve power service delivery.

The initiative, part of a broader plan to deploy 100,000 meters by 2025, aims to boost revenue, curb energy theft, and support industrial growth in Abia.

In a bold move to revolutionize electricity distribution and billing transparency in Abia State, Nigeria’s newest electricity distribution company, Aba Power, has launched a massive rollout of 20,000 free prepaid meters. This latest initiative targets customers served by the Aba-Owerri Expressway 33kV feeder and marks the second phase of the company’s broader metering campaign.

The power utility firm disclosed that the installation is expected to be completed within a month, made possible through a strategic partnership with Eves Metering, a Chinese-based smart meter manufacturer. The estimated cost of the project stands at a significant ₦3.5 billion.

Aba Power operates 31 feeders, four of which were previously covered in an earlier metering phase concluded just a month ago. However, this new rollout will not blanket all coverage areas simultaneously, as the company is deploying meters strategically, prioritizing regions based on logistical and technical considerations.

According to Aba Power, this metering project is a component of its larger plan to distribute 100,000 prepaid meters across nine local government areas in Abia State by the end of 2025. The initiative aligns with its mission to redefine electricity service delivery and address long-standing challenges in the sector.

Why the free meters?

1. Promoting Transparent Billing Practices: One of the major drivers behind this initiative is to eradicate the controversial estimated billing system that has plagued customers for years. With prepaid meters, customers are only charged for the power they consume, which not only ensures fairness but also builds trust between the utility and its customers.

2. Boosting Revenue Collection: Aba Power believes that accurate metering will improve its revenue generation by encouraging timely payments. Unlike the postpaid model, prepaid meters ensure that customers must pay upfront, thereby reducing outstanding debts and enhancing the company’s financial health.

3. Combating Energy Theft and Vandalism: With each customer having an individual meter, it becomes significantly easier to track energy usage and identify any anomalies. This measure is seen as a critical tool in the fight against energy theft and infrastructure sabotage, which have historically caused substantial losses to electricity providers.

4. Supporting Local Industry and Growth: Reliable electricity is a cornerstone of industrial productivity. By providing a consistent and transparent billing system, Aba Power aims to foster a business-friendly environment. This, in turn, could attract investments and drive economic growth within Abia State.

5. Adhering to Regulatory Mandates: The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has continued to push for nationwide metering to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. Aba Power’s initiative reflects its commitment to complying with these national reforms and contributing to the overall improvement of Nigeria’s power sector.

As the rollout gains momentum, thousands of residents in the Aba-Owerri axis are expected to benefit from this transformative project. With the integration of smart technology and a customer-first approach, Aba Power is setting a new benchmark for electricity distribution in the region.