Yola Disco Installs 3,500 Free Smart Metres in Yobe
By Baba Dan’Iya
The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has commenced the installation of 3,500 free smart metres in Yobe under the first phase of its District Sector Recovery Programme.
The initiative, which is fully funded by the Federal Government with support from the World Bank, is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, promoting transparency in billing, and addressing customers’ concerns over estimated billing.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Damaturu, the Regional Manager of YEDC for Yobe, Mr Ibrahim Salisu, said the phase covers customers under Band A, comprising 2,500 single-phase and 1,000 three-phase metres already delivered for immediate installation.
“The metres are completely free. No customer should pay for either the metre or the installation,” Salisu stated.
He cautioned customers against making any form of payment to individuals or groups claiming to represent YEDC, urging them to report such incidents to the company’s offices across the state.
Salisu said the first phase would be completed within two weeks before the exercise extends to Bands B and C in subsequent phases.
He disclosed that the company had identified a metering gap of about 52,000 customers across Yobe and assured that further phases would bridge the shortfall.
According to him, the company is replacing obsolete devices with smart metres to improve accountability and service delivery.
“We are aware of customers’ complaints about outrageous and estimated billing. The new smart metres will eliminate such issues and strengthen our transparency drive,” he said.
Salisu added that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had deployed technical teams to curb vandalism and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the exercise.
Some residents of Damaturu who spoke to NAN expressed delight over the initiative, describing it as a major relief to consumers.
A civil servant, Malam Idris Mohammed, said the introduction of free smart metres would restore public confidence in the power distribution company.
“For years, we have been paying high bills without metres. The fact that these new metres are free is commendable,” he said.
Similarly, a trader, Mrs Zainab Adamu, said the initiative would encourage customers to pay only for energy consumed.
“This will bring fairness and help us manage our electricity use better,” she added.
Another resident, Mr Musa Haruna, called on YEDC to extend the installation to rural communities to ensure inclusiveness.
The YEDC District Sector Recovery Programme seeks to enhance electricity distribution efficiency and customer satisfaction across Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, and Yobe States.
