FCT residents complains of pre-paid meter prices amid economic hardship

Electricity consumers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have criticised the recent increase in prepaid meter prices, calling it a burden amid Nigeria’s harsh economic conditions .

Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) announced the price hike on their social media platforms, effective November 5, 2024. This upward review comes just months after a similar increase in August, sparking further concerns about meter affordability and accessibility among consumers.According to the DisCos, the cost of a single-phase meter has risen from around N117,000 to as much as N149,800, marking an increase of about N32,800.

The price of a three-phase meter has also climbed, now ranging from N206,345 to approximately N236,500, depending on the distribution company and meter vendors.Several FCT residents voiced their disapproval, describing the increase as unfair in the current economic climate.

Mrs Alice Ogar, a Lugbe resident, recounted her experience, saying she was informed that the price of a single-phase meter had increased to N148,000, a rise from the N117,000 she had budgeted for based on previous information. “Everything keeps going up every day,” she said. “It took me time to save this money, and now I don’t know how to raise the additional amount.”Similarly, Mr Edem Okon shared that while his neighbour bought a three-phase meter for N206,345.65 in October, he found that the price had jumped to about N236,500 when he tried to purchase one himself.

Okon described the timing of the price hike as unnecessary, given the many people’s financial struggles.Mrs Itohan Efosa, an Apo Resettlement resident, expressed frustration. She said the increased prices make it more difficult for her to switch to prepaid metering and avoid estimated billing, which she currently experiences. “This increase is a setback,” she said.For Mr Frank Oloton of Kubwa, the government should consider distributing meters at no cost instead of increasing prices. “In the past, meters were given free to Nigerians, but now they are costly and essential,” Oloton observed.Another Kubwa resident, Mr Jude Okolo, warned that the price rise could lead DisCos to rely more heavily on estimated billing.

“Many people are struggling even to afford food,” Okolo said. “The government should find a way to ease the burden on Nigerians during these tough times.”