Electricity Consumers To Get Free Meters As NERC Sets May 2027 Deadline

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved ₦30 billion for the provision of free electricity meters to unmetered Band A customers and the acceleration of meter installations for Band B consumers across the country.

The commission has directed that all installations under the programme must be completed by May 31, 2027, as part of efforts to reduce the country’s metering gap and improve electricity service delivery.

According to Bush Radio Academy, NERC disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), known as Tranche C, became effective on November 2, 2026. The approved funds will be distributed among Nigeria’s 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) based on their respective contributions to the fund.

The commission also directed the distribution companies to ensure that meters are allocated fairly across all states within their areas of operation.

The directive outlines the implementation process for the third phase of the Presidential Metering Initiative and requires DisCos to conduct transparent procurement exercises involving eligible local meter manufacturers, assemblers and meter asset providers with verified meter stocks.

NERC further established maximum purchase prices based on the median prices recorded during the September 2026 national online bidding exercise for meter asset providers.

Under the payment arrangement, selected providers will receive 70 per cent of their payment after their meter stock has been verified, while the remaining 30 per cent will be released once the complete installation process has been confirmed.

The commission emphasised that customers must not be charged for meters provided and installed through the programme. It also directed that every meter supplied under the initiative must clearly display the name of the relevant electricity distribution company, the applicable funding tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.

NERC further stated that distribution companies seeking to relocate an existing customer’s connection point to protect their revenue must bear the cost of such relocation.

The directive also provides for sanctions against DisCos that fail to fulfil their responsibilities or cause unnecessary delays in the installation process.

In addition, the fund manager, electricity distribution companies and participating meter providers are required to comply with the commission’s monitoring, reporting and evaluation procedures. All contracts covering the supply and installation of meters must also be submitted to NERC.

The commission urged all stakeholders involved in the initiative to comply fully with the directive, stressing that the programme is designed to bridge Nigeria’s electricity metering deficit, strengthen revenue collection, improve service delivery and protect consumers from unfair electricity billing practices.