NERC Approves N30bn to Provide Free Meters for Electricity Consumers
The commission disclosed this in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the MAF, which look effect on November 2, 2026.
According to NERC, the funding will be distributed among the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in proportion to their respective contributions to the fund.
The initiative, which forms part of the Presidential Metering Initiative, is designed to close Nigeria’s metering gap by providing meters to all remaining unmetered Band A customers and accelerating the metering of Band B customers.
NERC stated that the distribution of meters must be equitable across states within the respective franchise areas of the DisCos.
Under the order, the distribution companies are required to conduct transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stock.
The commission also prescribed maximum procurement prices based on the median national MAP online bid prices from the September 2026 bid cycle.
It added that payments to selected meter providers would be made in two stages, with 70 per cent paid upon verified delivery of meter stock and the remaining 30 per cent after confirmation of complete installation.
The regulator emphasised that all meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme must be provided free of charge to electricity consumers.
It warned that every meter must prominently display the name of the relevant DisCo, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.
NERC further stated that where a DisCo initiates the relocation of an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the distribution company must bear the cost.
The order also provides for sanctions where defaults by DisCos impede meter installation.
To strengthen accountability, the commission said the Fund Manager, distribution companies and participating meter providers would be subject to monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements.
It added that all supply and installation contracts must be submitted to the commission, while all meter installations under Tranche C must be completed on or before May 31, 2027.
NERC urged stakeholders to comply with the provisions of the order, saying the initiative would help close the national metering gap, improve revenue assurance, enhance electricity service delivery and protect consumers.
