EDSA To Install 3000 Smart Meters In 2025

By Ayodele Deen Cole
The Minister of Finance, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, while reading the 2025 National Budget to Members of Parliament, disclosed that with support from the World Bank, government will procure and install 3,000 additional smart meters by end June 2025.
He also noted that by end-September 2024, government has install and commission 1,250 smart meters for high-value customers and at secondary substations.
According to the Minister of Finance, this initiative aims to reduce electricity theft and boost revenue collection by ensuring accurate and real-time billing for consumers and also grant concession of EDSA’s operations to the private sector.
The project, he said, will require the services of expertise, operational efficiency, and capital investment, thereby reducing the need for government subsidies.
The Minister also stated that government is committed to reducing energy subsidies and transfers by improving EDSA’s operational and financial performance.
The minister further noted that this measure will enhance financial discipline and accountability within the institution and that with technical support from the World Bank; develop a time bound strategy to minimize EDSA’s dependence on expensive fossil fuel power generation, which will include negotiating more favorable terms in prospective agreements with IPPs.
He continued that this will be achieved through increased investment in renewable energy projects and a gradual transition to more sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions; and prepare a settlement plan to clear all MDAs arrears owed to EDSA.