YEDC Begins Installation of 3,500 Free Smart Meters in Yobe
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has begun the installation of 3,500 free smart meters for Band A customers in Yobe State.
The free smart meters are being installed under the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), a Nigerian government and World Bank initiative aimed at improving electricity distribution and transparent billing.
Speaking during the flag-off of the exercise in Damaturu, YEDC Regional Manager, Ibrahim Salisu, said the programme was aimed at enhancing operational performance and restoring customer confidence in the company’s services.
“We are here to inform our esteemed customers about our mid-term plan under the DSRP. The goal is to improve the company’s efficiency and ensure transparency in billing,” he said.
Salisu explained that the first phase of the installation targets Band A customers, with 2,500 single-phase and 500 three-phase meters to be installed at no cost, warning customers not to pay anyone.
“These are smart meters certified by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA). No one should collect or give money for installation,” he emphasized.
He clarified that the DISREP is different from the previous Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, under which customers purchased meters through licensed vendors.
“This programme is fully funded by the Federal Government and the World Bank. It is not MAP — all meters are free,” Salisu stated.
He added that customers with old or faulty meters would have them replaced with smart ones, noting that the installation was started from the Three-bedroom quarters along Maiduguri Road in Damaturu and will later extend to other categories of customers.
On network challenges and vandalism, Salisu assured that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has deployed teams to fix issues within two weeks.
He urged customers to cooperate with those assigned to install the meters and report any case of extortion or irregularities.
“We seek the cooperation of all customers. No one should pay for meters or installation,” he emphasised.
