In a move to strengthen electricity revenue collection and curb persistent energy theft, the Enugu State Government, in partnership with the United Kingdom through the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNiAF), has successfully piloted an artificial intelligence-enabled smart metering system.
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The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday at the Enugu State Investor Forum themed “Driving Revenue Assurance and Private Investment through Data-Driven Metering,” held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
Funded by UK International Development and implemented by Tetra Tech, the forum convened key stakeholders across Nigeria’s power sector, including electricity distribution companies, investors, and policymakers, to explore strategies for expanding smart metering and improving electricity access.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Chijioke Okonkwo, said the project targets longstanding challenges such as energy theft, revenue leakages, and inefficient billing systems.
According to him, a pilot phase involving the deployment of 846 smart meters has already been completed in the Ugwuaji area of Enugu, covering nearby semi-urban communities.
“The system enables end-to-end visibility of electricity consumption, from transformers down to individual households,” Okonkwo said. “This significantly reduces commercial and collection losses that have historically undermined the sector.”
He explained that the AI-powered meters provide real-time consumption data, allowing users to monitor usage while enabling operators to quickly detect irregularities, including theft and equipment vandalism.
Okonkwo added that the initiative opens new investment opportunities, particularly in underserved communities, as private investors and energy firms are encouraged to participate in meter deployment, network expansion, and embedded power generation.
He disclosed that the cost of smart meters currently averages ₦130,000 for single-phase units and ₦230,000 for three-phase units, with flexible payment options under consideration to support wider adoption.
Also speaking, UKNiAF Team Leader, Frank Edozie, described the project as a practical demonstration of how artificial intelligence can enhance transparency and accountability in electricity revenue systems.
“The technology ensures accurate revenue tracking and detects breaches in both energy and financial flows, making it a strong tool for revenue assurance,” Edozie said.
He noted that Enugu was selected for the pilot due to its progress in implementing reforms under Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2023, which grants states greater control to develop independent electricity markets.
The pilot, which began in November 2025, has already recorded improvements in revenue recovery and a reduction in system losses, according to project officials.
Managing Director of MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited, Ernest Mupwaya, said the initiative addresses critical gaps in metering infrastructure and revenue protection.
“Efficient metering is essential for sustainable investment in the power sector. With improved visibility across the network, operators can reduce losses and enhance operational performance,” he said.
Mupwaya added that the project demonstrates the potential to attract private financing into the sector, as improved revenue collection strengthens investor confidence and ensures returns over time.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, said Enugu’s selection for the initiative reflects ongoing reforms and progress in the state’s electricity market.
He emphasized that the success of the pilot highlights the role of smart metering in ensuring revenue assurance across the electricity value chain, from generation to distribution.
“The system gives investors confidence that their funds are secure and recoverable, which is key to unlocking further investment in power infrastructure,” he said.
The Enugu Government says it plans to scale up the initiative as part of broader efforts to build a more efficient, transparent, and investment-friendly electricity market.