The PMI is a government-led initiative aimed at addressing the significant metering gap in Nigeria’s electricity supply industry. It focuses on deploying smart meters to enhance billing accuracy, reduce energy losses, and support local manufacturing.

Currently, over half of Nigeria’s registered electricity consumers lack proper metering, leading to revenue losses and inaccurate billing. The PMI seeks to correct this by ensuring every consumer has access to a smart meter, thereby promoting a more efficient and transparent energy sector.

The initiative is managed by Smart Grid Development Limited (SGDL), a Special Purpose Vehicle created by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated. SGDL operates as both a demand aggregator and a bulk equipment purchaser to ensure cost efficiency and effectiveness.

The PMI aims to provide all consumers with smart meters, which will ensure they are only billed for the electricity they actually use. This will eliminate estimated billing and improve the overall fairness and transparency of the billing process.

The short-term goals include the reduction of distribution losses and the improvement of billing accuracy through smart meters and a Meter Data Management System (MDMS). Long-term goals focus on ensuring tariffs reflect actual costs and reducing technical losses through better infrastructure and technology.

The initiative is supported by government funding and strategic partnerships with both local and international meter manufacturers. This approach facilitates bulk purchasing and demand aggregation to achieve cost efficiencies.

The initiative is overseen by a Coordinating Committee chaired by the Honourable Minister of Power. This committee includes key government officials and private sector representatives who ensure the initiative meets its goals and adheres to national standards.