FG Approves N30bn To Provide Free Electricity Meters To Nigerians
The Federal Government has approved N30 billion for the third phase of its metering intervention to provide free electricity meters to unmetered Band A customers and accelerate installations for Band B customers.
Politics Nigeria reports that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced the approval in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), which took effect on November 2, 2026.
The initiative, under the Presidential Metering Initiative, is aimed at reducing Nigeria’s metering gap and improving electricity service delivery.
According to the Commission, the N30 billion will be distributed among the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) based on their respective contributions to the Fund. Meter installations will also be spread equitably across states within their franchise areas.
NERC directed the DisCos 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 recorded during the September 2026 bid cycle.
Under the payment arrangement, selected meter providers will receive 70 per cent of their payment after verified delivery of meter stock, while the remaining 30 per cent will be released after NERC confirms that installation has been completed.
NERC stressed that all meters supplied and installed under the programme must be provided free of charge to electricity customers.
It also directed that each meter must display the name of the relevant DisCo, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.
The Commission further stated that electricity distribution companies would bear the cost of relocating existing customers’ connection points where such relocation is initiated for revenue protection purposes.
To ensure transparency and accountability, NERC introduced monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements for the Fund Manager, DisCos and participating meter providers.
It also mandated that all supply and installation contracts be submitted to the Commission, warning that sanctions would apply where a DisCo’s default prevents or delays meter installation.
All installations under Tranche C are expected to be completed on or before May 31, 2027.
“The Commission reiterates that all meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme shall be provided FREE OF CHARGE to customers. Every meter must prominently display the relevant DisCo’s name, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription “NOT FOR SALE”.
“Where a DisCo initiates the relocation of an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the cost shall be borne by the DisCo. The Order also provides sanctions where DisCo defaults impede meter installation,” the statement partly read.
NERC urged stakeholders to comply with the provisions of the order, saying the intervention would help close the national metering gap, improve revenue assurance, enhance electricity service delivery and protect consumers.
The latest approval builds on previous government interventions aimed at expanding electricity metering and addressing concerns over customers having to pay for meters.
In March 2026, NERC directed all electricity distribution companies to reimburse customers N20.33 billion for meters procured under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework.
Similarly, in October 2025, the Federal Government approved the disbursement of N28 billion to electricity distribution companies under the second tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund for the procurement and installation of prepaid meters.
