In a significant move to address the issue of estimated billings in the power sector, the Federal Government has commenced the mass metering of Nigerian Army formations across the country.
The initiative, flagged off by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, aims to ensure accurate billing and regular electricity supply to army barracks.
The launch event took place at the headquarters of the 9th Brigade of the Nigerian Army in the Ikeja military cantonment. Minister Adelabu emphasized that the exercise will be conducted in phases, with Ikeja Cantonment serving as the first phase.
The initial phase is expected to last for six weeks, with a budget of N12.7 billion allocated out of the total N40 billion earmarked for the project.
Speaking at the event, Minister Adelabu highlighted the importance of the mass metering project in ending the era of estimated billings. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing reliable electricity to army formations as part of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
The Minister also emphasized the use of tamper-proof smart meters that come equipped with an app for customers to monitor their consumption.
Additionally, the meters allow for interconnectivity between the grid and off-grid solar power supply, aligning with the government’s energy blueprint to prioritize electricity supply to military barracks, including those in remote areas without grid access.
Ashade Olatunbosun, the Chief Executive Officer of De Haryor Global Services overseeing the metering project, announced that the second phase will commence simultaneously in Abuja and Enugu.
Military formations across the 11 Distribution Companies (DISCOs) will benefit from the initiative, including those under Jos, Abuja, Ibadan, Enugu, Kaduna, Ikeja, and Eko distribution companies.
Addressing the gathering, Maj. General Adetuyi expressed gratitude for the timely initiative, citing the persistent challenges faced by the brigade headquarters due to erratic power supply and estimated billings.
He welcomed the metering project as a commendable effort that would ensure transparency and efficiency in electricity consumption and billing within the barracks.
Minister of Power
The mass metering initiative is poised to bring about a positive transformation in the power sector, ensuring fair billing practices and uninterrupted electricity supply to Nigerian Army formations nationwide.
