Enugu, Nigeria – In a bold move to curb energy theft and plug revenue losses in the power sector, the Enugu State Government, in collaboration with the United Kingdom through the UK Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNiAF), has successfully completed a pilot programme introducing AI-enabled smart meters across parts of the state.
The initiative was unveiled at the Enugu State Investor Forum, themed “Driving Revenue Assurance and Private Investment through Data-Driven Metering,” held on Tuesday at the Enugu International Conference Centre. The event brought together key stakeholders, including electricity distribution companies, investors, and policymakers, to discuss opportunities for expanding smart metering and improving electricity access in the state.
Funded by UK International Development and implemented by Tetra Tech, the pilot programme deployed 846 smart meters in the Ugwuaji axis of Enugu, covering surrounding semi-urban communities. According to Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, Chairman and CEO of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, the project allows for real-time tracking of electricity consumption from transformers to individual households, drastically reducing commercial and collection losses.
“This system empowers consumers to monitor their energy usage while enabling operators to detect faults, irregularities, and even theft almost instantly,” Okonkwo said. He added that the initiative creates opportunities for private investors and energy retail companies to participate in Enugu’s electricity market, particularly in underserved areas. Current market prices for the meters stand at about N130,000 for single-phase units and N230,000 for three-phase units, with flexible payment plans to encourage adoption.
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Mr. Frank Edozie, Team Leader of UKNiAF, described the project as a “demonstrator” of how artificial intelligence could enhance transparency and accountability in electricity revenue collection. He highlighted that the pilot had already yielded encouraging results, including significant improvements in revenue recovery and reduction in losses, making it a model for other states in Nigeria.
For Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, Managing Director of MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited, the smart metering initiative addresses critical challenges in the power sector. “Without efficient metering and strong revenue assurance systems, investments remain unattractive and unsustainable. This project demonstrates that private financing can be effectively attracted to metering infrastructure,” he said.
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Enugu State Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, said the pilot had proven that smart metering guarantees revenue assurance across the electricity value chain—from generation to distribution—thereby boosting investor confidence.
The choice of Enugu for this pilot reflects its leadership in implementing reforms under Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2023, which empowers states to develop independent electricity markets. With AI-enabled smart meters providing real-time monitoring and accurate billing, the state is setting a benchmark for data-driven, climate-smart, and investor-friendly electricity infrastructure in Nigeria.
