Enugu DisCo to Launch Mass Prepaid Meter Rollout This Wednesday Under MAP Scheme

MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited is set to begin a large-scale distribution of prepaid meters across Enugu State starting Wednesday. The initiative, which falls under the Mobile Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, aims to significantly reduce the metering gap and give customers better control over their electricity usage.

In a statement released in Enugu on Monday, the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Emeka Ezeh, announced that the mass metering program would first target the Abakpa and Ogui districts. Customers in these areas will have the opportunity to receive prepaid meters within just 72 hours of application.

The Meter Asset Provider scheme was designed to speed up the metering process, especially for customers who have long awaited installation. According to Ezeh, this rollout reflects MainPower’s ongoing commitment to improving billing transparency, reducing customer complaints, and enhancing user experience.

MainPower plans to implement the mobile metering program in phases, gradually covering all district offices across its service network in Enugu State. Ezeh emphasized that the company’s ultimate goal is to ensure that every unmetered customer has access to a convenient, reliable, and transparent billing system.

“Accurate metering empowers customers to manage their electricity consumption better,” Ezeh said. “It also helps eliminate disputes over estimated bills and gives people a fairer way to pay for what they actually use.”

He urged customers in the Abakpa and Ogui districts to take full advantage of the rollout, stressing that early participation would reduce waiting times and improve electricity management at the household level.

To participate in the program, interested customers must visit the designated locations with a recent electricity bill and a valid means of identification. Ezeh explained that the cost of the meters has been approved and is in line with current industry standards.

For a single-phase meter, the cost is set at N137,062.50, while the three-phase version costs N227,900. Both prices include a 7.5 percent Value Added Tax (VAT). He noted that the meter prices are reviewed monthly to reflect prevailing economic conditions.

Importantly, Ezeh clarified that payments during the exercise would only be accepted via debit or ATM cards. Cash payments will not be permitted to ensure security and streamline the process. He reassured customers that there are no additional or hidden fees attached beyond the meter cost.

“To protect consumers from exploitation, we have a dedicated whistle-blowing line for reporting any attempt at extortion. Customers should call 08146026678 if they encounter any irregularities,” he stated.

While this special mobile metering exercise is ongoing, MainPower confirmed that the standard Meter Asset Provider process will continue to be available. Customers who are unable to participate in the mobile program can still walk into any of the company’s district offices or visit the company’s website to apply for a meter.

“Our mission is to expand metering coverage as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Ezeh said. “Even if you miss this mobile opportunity, we have made it easy for everyone to apply through our normal MAP channels.”

He added that both methods serve the same purpose—to increase transparency, reduce estimated billing, and empower electricity users with better control over their consumption and finances.

The mobile metering campaign in Enugu is part of a larger national initiative to tackle Nigeria’s longstanding metering deficit. The National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP), which began in 2020, was launched by the Federal Government to ease the financial burden on consumers and help distribution companies meet their targets.

In October 2024, the government announced that under the Nigeria Distribution Sector Recovery Program, a total of 1.3 million meters would be deployed nationwide by the end of the second quarter of 2025. This program is intended to improve power sector efficiency and restore public trust in electricity billing.

The mass deployment of prepaid meters also aligns with regulatory reforms introduced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which recently reviewed meter pricing and sparked varied reactions from stakeholders and consumers.

For customers in Enugu State, the benefits of this new metering initiative go beyond simply having a prepaid device. With accurate meters installed, users will be able to monitor real-time energy use, prevent overcharging, and avoid the stress of irregular estimated bills. The system encourages energy conservation and makes budgeting for electricity more predictable.

Furthermore, the MAP initiative supports job creation by involving local meter manufacturers, technicians, and installers, thus contributing to economic activity in the state.

Ezeh closed his statement with a call for cooperation from residents, urging them to participate fully in the program and take advantage of the faster metering timelines.

“This is more than just a service upgrade,” he said. “It is a chance for people to gain financial control, reduce unnecessary arguments with the DisCo, and enjoy fairer access to electricity.”

As the rollout begins this Wednesday, many in Enugu will be watching closely to see if the promise of efficient, transparent, and consumer-friendly electricity service becomes a reality. If successful, this initiative could serve as a model for other states looking to close the metering gap and modernize their power infrastructure.