In Nigeria, the widespread adoption of electrical appliances in homes has long been associated with improving convenience and saving time. Over the years, gadgets like electric stoves, washing machines, blenders, pressing irons, and refrigerators became essential household items, especially during the era of post-paid electricity billing. Many Nigerians, particularly women, often joined ajo or esusu (thrift contributions) to raise money for purchasing these appliances, supporting the thriving market for such gadgets.
However, the introduction of prepaid meters has drastically altered this lifestyle. With electricity consumption now being closely monitored and paid for in advance, many households are rethinking their use of energy-hungry appliances. In some cases, people have even sold off these gadgets to others still using post-paid meters or resold them as fairly used products.
Mrs. Bridget Johnson, a banker, shared how the transition to prepaid meters has led to significant lifestyle changes in her home. “Since I started using prepaid meter, I have stopped using most of my gadgets, especially the electric cooker, washing machine, pressing iron, among other things,” she said. Mrs. Johnson now regulates her family’s electricity use strictly, even going as far as limiting television time to once a day and managing refrigerator usage by turning it on for just three hours a day.
“The rate at which the prepaid meter runs is alarming,” she added. Initially, N10,000 worth of electricity would last her family two weeks, but recently, it depletes much faster. After contacting the electricity distribution office, she discovered that her account had been moved to band A, which comes with higher rates. “In Nigeria today, you have to cut costs whether you like it or not,” she concluded.
Mr. Shodimu Olorunfemi, a businessman, shared a similar sentiment, noting that while prepaid meters allow households to regulate their consumption, it comes at the expense of certain comforts. “In my house, I prohibited the switching on of lights during the day and also watching television all the time,” he said. Mr. Olorunfemi and his family have given away most of their gadgets to relatives who still use post-paid meters. He remarked that the current economic situation, coupled with prepaid meter costs, is impacting those who sell electronic appliances, as fewer people are buying new gadgets.
For Mrs. Bakare Judith, a newlywed secretary, the switch to prepaid meters also led to drastic changes. After moving into her husband’s home, she sold most of her high-consumption electrical appliances. “I use the blender once in two months, and ironing is done once in a blue moon,” she said, highlighting how the high cost of electricity has influenced her household’s daily activities.
As more Nigerians adapt to the prepaid meter system, the impact on household energy consumption is clear. While the system promotes careful usage, it has also forced many to forgo conveniences that once defined their modern lifestyle.
