By A.J.
Electricity distributor ENEO Cameroon has announced plans to install 20,000 smart electricity meters on public buildings and public lighting networks starting in 2026, in a move aimed at securing electricity billing to the State.
The project was disclosed by the Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, during a budget session at the National Assembly.
According to authorities, ENEO currently bills many public institutions using estimates rather than real consumption, especially for street lighting in cities like Yaoundé and Douala.
This method has often led to disputes, with councils and government services accusing the company of overbilling.
With the introduction of smart meters, ENEO will be able to measure actual electricity consumption in ministries, public offices and street lighting systems.
The company says this will improve transparency, reduce disagreements and make billing more accurate for both parties.
The initiative also comes against the backdrop of mounting unpaid electricity bills by State institutions.
ENEO has previously revealed that public entities receive electricity invoices worth several billion francs CFA every month, but payments remain irregular, putting pressure on the company’s finances.
While the smart meters will not automatically solve the issue of unpaid bills, authorities believe they will help clarify responsibilities and strengthen trust between ENEO and the State.
The project is part of broader reforms in Cameroon’s energy sector aimed at improving governance, efficiency and revenue collection.
ENEO says the rollout of the smart meters will mark an important step toward modernizing electricity management in the country and ensuring fair billing based on real consumption.
