The Enugu State Government and the United Kingdom's United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility have collaborated on a pilot programme to introduce an AI-enabled smart metering system in the state. This initiative aims to curb energy theft and eliminate revenue losses in the power sector. The pilot programme was launched at the Enugu State Investor Forum, which took place at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on Tuesday.
The programme, funded by the UK International Development and implemented by Tetra Tech, brought together key stakeholders from the electricity sector, including distribution companies, investors, and policymakers. The goal was to explore opportunities for expanding smart metering and improving electricity access in Enugu State. The project also focused on strengthening Nigeria's capacity to deliver sustainable and climate-smart infrastructure, with Enugu State as a key beneficiary.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Mr Chijioke Okonkwo, stated that the project is designed to address persistent challenges in the power sector, including revenue leakages, energy theft, and poor billing efficiency. A pilot scheme involving the deployment of 846 smart meters has already been carried out in the Ugwuaji axis of the state capital. The technology enables full tracking of electricity consumption from transformers to individual households.
The AI-enabled meters provide real-time data on energy usage, empowering consumers to monitor their consumption and helping operators quickly detect faults or irregularities. This system has the potential to drastically reduce commercial and collection losses, which have hindered the growth of the power sector. The initiative also opens opportunities for private investors and energy retail companies to participate in Enugu's electricity market.
Market prices for meters stand at approximately N130,000 for single-phase units and about N230,000 for three-phase units. Flexible payment structures can be arranged to ease adoption. The project has already shown encouraging results, including significant improvements in revenue recovery and reduction in losses.
The introduction of smart meters in Enugu State is a welcome development that could help address the persistent challenges in the power sector. The initiative, which is being led by the Enugu State Government and the United Kingdom's United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility, has the potential to reduce energy theft and eliminate revenue losses. The project's success is a testament to the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in enhancing transparency and accountability in electricity revenue collection. With the current market prices for meters standing at approximately N130,000 for single-phase units and about N230,000 for three-phase units, the initiative could also provide opportunities for private investors and energy retail companies to participate in Enugu's electricity market. However, the long-term sustainability of the project will depend on the ability of the Enugu State Government to maintain the smart metering system and ensure that all revenues due to the sector are properly collected and accounted for.
