Aba Power Partners Four Firms to Assemble Smart Meters, Targets 20,000 Monthly Output

Aba Power, Nigeria’s newest electricity distribution company, is spearheading a collaborative effort with four companies to assemble smart electricity meters within Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.

The announcement came from Mrs. Agatha Nnaji, Group Managing Director of the Geometric Power group, during a presentation to the Abia State House of Assembly’s Committee on Power and Public Utilities at the company’s Osisioma Industrial Layout headquarters.

Mrs. Nnaji explained that the initiative will create up to 35,000 jobs and significantly contribute to conserving Nigeria’s foreign exchange while facilitating local technology transfer.

The four companies involved include the Kayz Consortium led by Prince Kalu, Eve Metering Company managed by Soji Olagunji (a Nigerian based in China), and two Chinese firms—Chint Metering and DCESN Metering. Kayz is expected to begin operations this June, followed by Eve. Production targets are set at 20,000 meters each for Chint, DCESN, and Kayz, while Eve is scheduled to deliver 100,000 meters.

According to Engr. Alfred Atenega, head of Aba Power’s metering team, the firm aims to roll out 20,000 prepaid smart meters monthly to ensure every customer in the Aba network is covered within a year.

While it remains unclear whether the meters will be supplied to other electricity distribution companies (DisCos) beyond Aba Power, a source close to the project suggested that initial production would focus on Aba before possibly expanding to meet national demand.

Chair of the Abia State Assembly committee, Hon. Aaron Uzodike, praised Geometric Power’s innovative strategy and urged the company to extend electricity services to rural communities that have been cut off for years.

Aba Power’s Managing Director, Ugo Opiegbe, responded by stating that ongoing rehabilitation work in the Aba Ring-fenced Area, covering nine local government areas, is targeting precisely such underserved communities.

In addressing concerns about customers in arrears, Engr. Blessing Ogbe, Aba Power’s Chief Operating Officer, confirmed that an installment-based payment plan is already in place. He noted that customers who previously abandoned their connections are now returning, encouraged by the transparency provided by smart metering.

Hon. Stephen Ucheonye Akachukwu, another legislator, echoed public satisfaction, noting that Aba residents have been responding positively to the new smart meter initiative.

This development marks a major step in Nigeria’s electricity sector, with Aba potentially becoming a hub for smart meter technology and local job creation.