By Peace Orjiani
The Enugu State Government has partnered with the United Kingdom to introduce an AI-enabled smart metering system aimed at tackling energy theft and reducing revenue losses in the power sector.
The initiative, implemented through the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNiAF), was unveiled during the Enugu State Investor Forum held at the International Conference Centre in Enugu. The forum, themed “Driving Revenue Assurance and Private Investment through Data-Driven Metering,” brought together key stakeholders, including electricity distribution companies, investors, and policymakers.
The program, funded by UK International Development and executed by Tetra Tech, is designed to improve electricity access, enhance transparency, and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for sustainable and climate-smart infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Chijioke Okonkwo, revealed that a pilot phase of the project has already been completed.
According to him, a total of 846 smart meters were installed in the Ugwuaji axis of Enugu, covering nearby semi-urban communities.
He explained that the system allows for full monitoring of electricity consumption, from transformers down to individual households.
“This system allows us to drastically reduce, if not eliminate, commercial and collection losses, which have long hindered the growth of the power sector,” Okonkwo stated.
How the Smart Metering System Works
The AI-powered meters provide real-time data on electricity usage, enabling both consumers and operators to monitor consumption effectively.
Key benefits include the following:
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Detection of energy theft and illegal connections
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Quick identification of faults and equipment issues
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Improved billing accuracy
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Better transparency in revenue collection
The system also helps prevent infrastructure vandalism by identifying irregular patterns in electricity flow.
Opportunities for Investors
Okonkwo noted that the initiative opens new opportunities for private investors and energy companies to participate in Enugu’s electricity market.
“We are inviting investors to deploy smart meters, expand distribution networks, and even establish embedded power generation within the state,” he said.
He added that the current cost of smart meters is approximately the following:
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₦130,000 for single-phase units
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₦230,000 for three-phase units







