Due to the increasing adoption of prepaid meters in Nigeria, it is important for electricity consumers who want to get their meters to know the different types of prepaid that are available in the country to enable them to purchase the one that is suitable for their usage.
There are different types of prepaid meters that are available in Nigeria. Each of the meters has unique features that differentiate them. Some of the meters are appropriate for industrial or commercial use, while others are suitable for residential purposes. So, it is important to know the types of meters and their features to enable you to buy a suitable meter for your electricity consumption.
Types of Prepaid Meters

The prepaid meters in Nigeria are outlined below:
1. Smart Prepaid Meters
This is among the best prepaid meters in Nigeria; it has automated features that stand it out among other meters. However, it is not common since it is costly to buy. This meter is automated with improved functionality and advanced technology. It has a feature that enables two-way communication between the meter and the electricity provider.
Unique Features of Smart Prepaid Meter
- The meter can be monitored remotely
- It transmits real-time data consumption
- Power theft can be detected with ease
- Efficient energy management.
2. Standard Prepaid Meters
Another type of prepaid meter that is commonly used in Nigeria is the standard prepaid meter. It has a special feature that accurately measures electricity consumption, thereby allowing consumers to pay as-they go. This meter has an electronic display that showcases vital information, such as credit balance, consumption rate, etc.
Special Features of Standard Prepaid Meters
- It has anti-theft control
- The meter has a tamper-proof design.
- There is provision for real-time electricity usage monitoring
- The provider of the meter can monitor it remotely.
3. Card-Based Prepaid Meters
A card-based prepaid meter is another type of prepaid meter on our list. Just as the name implies, this meter can be recharged using a card. It is commonly used in residential areas.
Recharging this type of meter is not difficult since it has the same recharging principle as a mobile phone. However, it has a unique code that must be entered into the meter before it can be recharged. Although it is easy to recharge this type of prepaid meter, it is vital for the user to take care of the card to avoid losing it.
4. Token-Based Prepaid Meters
Another commonly used prepaid meter in Nigeria is token-based metering. This kind of meter can be recharged using a token. It is pretty simple to recharge since it can be recharged with a mobile phone or at a business center. The token is usually a 20-digit number. The token can be obtained whenever the consumer recharges.
5. Keypad Prepaid Meters
The last type of prepaid meter on our list is keypad prepaid meters. Although this meter has similar operating principles as standard prepaid meters, it has an in-built keypad that is used for recharging. So, you don’t need a card or token to recharge this kind of meter. This meter can be used in both residential and industrial areas.
Best Prepaid Meter in Nigeria
All the prepaid meters in Nigeria are good. However, each meter has its own unique features; hence, it is important to identify your electricity needs before buying a prepaid meter. It is also worthy of note that a prepaid meter that is suitable for residential areas may not be good for industrial uses. So, it is best to know each of the meters and their features to enable you to make the right choice when buying a prepaid meter.
How Many Types of Prepaid Meter in Nigeria?
Broadly, there are two major types of prepaid meter in Nigeria, viz; single-phase and three-phase prepaid meter. This means that all the different prepaid meters in Nigeria fall under this two types. So, if you are in Nigeria, you are either using a single-phase or three-phase prepaid meter be it card-based, smart or token-based prepaid meter.
Two Types of Prepaid Meter in Nigeria
The two major types of prepaid meter in Nigeria is single-phase prepaid meter and three-phase prepaid meter. All other forms of prepaid meter in Nigeria fall under these two major categories.