The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved N30 billion to buy and install prepaid meters for electricity customers, with the meters to be handed over free of charge, according to a report by Tori News.
Who gets the money and who gets the meters
The fund will be divided among the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos). Each company's share will depend on how much it contributed to the fund. The money is meant to cover all Band A customers who still have no meter, and to speed up metering of Band B customers. Within each DisCo's franchise area, the meters are to be spread fairly across the states.
How the meters must be bought and paid for
DisCos are required to procure the meters through open and transparent processes, working with verified local manufacturers and meter asset providers. NERC has fixed ceiling prices drawn from bids submitted in September 2026.
Suppliers will be paid in two instalments. Seventy per cent comes after the meter stock has been verified, while the remaining thirty per cent is released only once full installation has been confirmed.
Free of charge, and clearly marked
Every meter under the scheme is to be given to customers at no cost. Each unit must carry the DisCo's name, the tranche of the Meter Asset Fund (MAF) it belongs to, and the inscription "NOT FOR SALE."
Where a DisCo asks a customer to move a connection point for revenue protection reasons, the DisCo itself will bear that cost, not the customer.
Sanctions and deadline
NERC says it will sanction any DisCo that obstructs installation. All installations under Tranche C must be finished by 31 May 2027.
- Based on reporting byTori News: NERC Approves N30bn to Give Nigerians Free Electricity Meters
