Eko Electricity Distribution Company Re Affirms Free Pre Paid Meters Policy, Warns Against Fraudsters

Officials of the Eko Disco during a press conference in Lagos

The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko DisCo) has reaffirmed a “zero-cost” policy for the installation of prepaid meters across its franchise area, reinforcing the message that no fees should ever be demanded from customers for processing, registration or installation. This call comes as the company kicks off the second phase of its free prepaid meter rollout while also issuing a stern warning against fraudsters operating in the field.

Free Meter Installation: What It Means

Eko DisCo has launched the second tranche of its free prepaid meter programme, under which eligible customers will receive a meter at no cost. The company emphasises that there is no payment required whatsoever: no registration, processing or installation fee. According to the company, the aim is to eliminate estimated billing and ensure customers pay only for the electricity they consume. In the first phase more than 15,000 customers benefited, and the current phase prioritises “Band A” and “Band B” customers before extending to others. The offer remains open until 31 December 2025.

The funding for this initiative is drawn from government-approved programmes such as the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) and the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP). The company is working through approved third-party vendors for installation—but stresses that those costs are already covered and customers should not be asked to pay.

Why This Matters

For many customers, the issue of estimated billing—where usage is estimated rather than metered—is a significant concern. Free prepaid meters help close the “metering gap” and provide greater billing transparency. By moving more customers onto prepaid meters, Eko DisCo expects to reduce disputes arising from estimated bills, improve customer satisfaction and lay the groundwork for more reliable service delivery.

In a customer forum held in the Ajah district of Lagos, the company reiterated that the free meter roll-out is part of its broader commitment to customer protection, fairness and transparency. The engagement with communities is designed both to raise awareness and to ensure that customers understand how to participate in the scheme.

Beware of Fraudsters

A major part of Eko DisCo’s recent messaging has been a clear warning to customers: do not pay anyone claiming to facilitate the “free” meter arrangement. The company says some individuals have been approaching customers, claiming they can secure a meter faster or “guaranteed” installation—provided a payment is made. According to Eko DisCo, these offers are fraudulent.

The company urges customers to apply exclusively via its official metering portal, and to report any individual who demands money for meter registration or installation. The message is firm: if money is requested, it is likely a scam. Eko DisCo has set up whistle-blower channels and is working in coordination with enforcement units to clamp down on meter bypasses, tampering or payment-demand fraud.

What Customers Should Do

Here are some key recommendations from Eko DisCo for customers who want to benefit from the free meter programme and stay safe from fraud:

• Visit the company’s official metering portal(via its website or authorized channel) to apply, and do not engage with intermediaries asking for money.
• Confirm eligibility: in this phase, the priority is Band A and Band B customers, but other bands will be included subsequently.
• Ensure your premises is “meter-ready”: for example, the meter needs to be mounted on an external visible wall that is easily accessible.
• Avoid paying anyone claiming to guarantee installation or faster processing in exchange for a fee—they are operating outside the official scheme.
• Report suspicious individuals or requests for payments via the company’s official whistle-blower channels.
• Resist the temptation of meter bypass or tampering. Eko DisCo reminds customers that such actions are illegal and could result in disconnection, fines or prosecution under the Electricity Act of 2023 and regulator sanctions.
• Engage with staff at local customer-service units (e.g., in Ajah district) or via digital platforms like WhatsApp to verify any meter-rollout communication.

Building Trust and Efficiency

The free meter rollout and anti-fraud campaign form part of Eko DisCo’s larger strategy to enhance service delivery and rebuild customer trust. By ensuring that all customers pay only for actual consumption, transparency is improved and the incentive for unfair practices is reduced. At the same time, the company is signalling it takes meter tampering, energy theft and fraudulent intermediaries seriously—suggesting that protecting infrastructure and maintaining supply reliability go hand-in-hand with rolling out free meters.

In community forums, representatives from residential and business districts praised the approach, noting that the company is “listening” and being more visible in its engagement. The on-ground presence of customer-service officers and digital channels is seen as a positive step toward building trust between the distributor and its customers.

Eko DisCo’s reaffirmation of free prepaid meter installation—coupled with a strong warning against fraud—offers a timely chance for customers to upgrade their electricity connection at zero cost, provided they follow official procedures. At the same time, it serves as a reminder that vigilance is required: any demand for payment should be treated as suspect, and customers should rely only on official channels and documentation.

If adopted widely and executed transparently, the programme could meaningfully reduce estimated billing, strengthen bill accuracy and improve utility-customer relations across Lagos and the fringe areas served by the company.