NERC Approves ₦30bn for DisCos to Accelerate Free Electricity Metering
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved ₦30 billion as the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) to support electricity metering across Nigeria.
The fund will be shared among the country’s 11 electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos), based on their respective contributions to the scheme, to meter all remaining unmetered Band A customers and accelerate installations for Band B customers.
The approval is contained in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund, which forms part of the Presidential Metering Initiative aimed at closing Nigeria’s electricity metering gap.
Under the new directive, DisCos must conduct transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stocks.
NERC stated that payments to selected meter providers would be made in two stages: 70 per cent upon verified delivery of meters and the remaining 30 per cent after successful installation.
The commission emphasised that all meters supplied and installed under the programme must be FREE OF CHARGE to electricity consumers. Each meter must also display the relevant DisCo’s name, the applicable funding tranche and the inscription “NOT FOR SALE”.
NERC further stated that DisCos must bear the cost of relocating existing customer connection points when such relocation is initiated for revenue protection purposes.
The order also introduces monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements to ensure transparency and accountability among the Fund Manager, DisCos and participating meter providers.
According to the commission, all meter supply and installation contracts must be submitted to NERC, while installations under Tranche C must be completed on or before May 31, 2027.
The initiative is expected to improve electricity revenue assurance, strengthen service delivery and protect consumers by expanding access to accurate electricity metering.
