Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved N30 billion for the distribution of free electricity meters to unmetered customers, with priority given to Band A consumers and increased coverage for those on Band B.
Gatekeepers News reports that the approval is contained in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the operationalisation of the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), also known as Tranche C, which took effect on November 2, 2026.
According to the commission, the fund will be shared among Nigeria’s 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in proportion to their respective contributions to the fund.
The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s Presidential Metering Initiative, which seeks to address the country’s metering gap and reduce consumers’ dependence on estimated billing.
Under the new arrangement, distribution companies are expected to provide meters for all remaining unmetered Band A customers while accelerating installations for Band B consumers.
NERC directed the DisCos to conduct transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers, as well as Meter Asset Providers with verified meter stocks.
The commission also introduced a two-stage payment system for meter suppliers, under which 70 per cent of the contract sum will be paid after verification of meter delivery, while the remaining 30 per cent will be released after confirmation of completed installations.
NERC emphasised that all meters supplied and installed under the programme must be provided free of charge to customers.
It further directed that every meter must carry the name of the relevant distribution company, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.
The regulator also stated that where a distribution company initiates the relocation of an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the company must bear the cost.
It warned that sanctions would apply where defaults by distribution companies obstruct or delay meter installations.
To ensure accountability, the commission said the Fund Manager, distribution companies and participating meter providers must comply with monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements. All supply and installation contracts must also be submitted to the regulator.
NERC has set May 31, 2027, as the deadline for completing all meter installations under the third tranche.
The commission said the initiative would help close Nigeria’s electricity metering gap, improve billing transparency, strengthen service delivery and protect consumers from unfair billing practices.
It urged all stakeholders to comply with the provisions of the order and ensure the timely implementation of the programme.
