By Vera Osokpo
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding electricity metering nationwide to promote accurate billing, improve transparency and ensure that consumers pay according to their actual power consumption.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the government would continue implementing national metering policies as part of efforts to improve service delivery and rebuild public confidence in the electricity sector.
Tegbe spoke after commissioning a 3MW captive solar hybrid power project at the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University.
He also dismissed speculation that the government was preparing to increase electricity tariffs, saying there were no immediate plans to make such an adjustment.
“There are no immediate plans to increase electricity tariffs. Our goal is to build a commercially viable power sector while protecting vulnerable consumers,” the minister said.
The clarification followed renewed concerns over possible changes to electricity subsidies and comments relating to the government’s review of the sector’s financial framework.
Tegbe said any future reforms would have to consider the effect on vulnerable households and other electricity consumers. He stressed that the government’s immediate priorities were improving electricity supply, expanding metering and strengthening consumer confidence.
The Federal Government is also working towards creating a financially sustainable and investment-friendly electricity market capable of supporting infrastructure development, improved generation and distribution, and more reliable power for households, businesses and public institutions.
The newly commissioned solar project at Yakubu Gowon University is expected to provide more stable and cleaner electricity to a university community of approximately 58,726 students.
Developed by the Rural Electrification Agency under Phase II of the Energising Education Programme, the facility includes a 3.3MWp solar array, 3MW alternating-current output and a 2MWh battery-storage system.
The system is supported by dedicated grid supply during periods when solar generation is unavailable.
The project also includes the installation of 388 solar-powered streetlights across the campus. The lights are expected to improve visibility and security and create a safer environment for students and staff moving around the university after dark.
Tegbe said the project demonstrated the government’s commitment to improving the reliability and quality of electricity supply while pursuing reforms aimed at strengthening the long-term sustainability of the power sector.
He explained that the administration was addressing the structural and financial challenges affecting the industry while ensuring that improvements in supply were matched by greater efficiency, transparency and accountability across the electricity value chain.