Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered electricity distribution companies to refund more than ₦20 billion to customers who paid for meters under the Meter Asset Provider scheme.
Gatekeepers News reports that the directive follows findings that as of December 31, 2025, about ₦20.33 billion in meter refunds remained unpaid. The amount represents money customers spent to purchase prepaid meters with the understanding that they would be reimbursed through energy credits over time.
Under the new order, all DisCos are required to begin structured repayment from March 1, 2026, and complete the process within one year. The commission stated that the refunds must be issued strictly as energy credits and must not be used to offset outstanding electricity debts.
For prepaid customers, companies are to issue monthly energy tokens reflecting the refund value, while postpaid customers must see the credits clearly listed on their electricity bills. To speed up the process, DisCos are expected to apply double monthly credits until the entire outstanding amount is cleared.
The commission also directed distribution companies to submit regular compliance reports and establish dedicated channels to address customer complaints related to the refunds.
