NERC Approves N30 Billion for Free Electricity Meters Under Presidential Initiative

According to reports by Daily Trust and Thisday on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved N30 billion for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund to accelerate free meter installations across the country.

The approval, contained in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund, took effect from November 2, 2026. The funds will be allocated among the 11 electricity Distribution Companies in proportion to their respective contributions to the fund. Priority is given to metering all remaining unmetered Band A customers while accelerating coverage for Band B customers, with installations to be distributed equitably across states within each DisCo’s franchise area.

This latest tranche forms part of the Presidential Metering Initiative introduced in 2024 and funded through a dedicated levy on electricity tariffs. It complements existing schemes such as the Meter Asset Provider programme, the National Mass Metering Programme and the World Bank-supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme. Earlier tranches A and B totalled about N49 billion, bringing cumulative approvals under the Meter Acquisition Fund to N79 billion. Despite previous interventions, data indicate that a significant metering gap persists, with roughly 47 per cent of registered customers still unmetered as of September 2026 and about 4.7 million active customers without meters.

Under the order, DisCos must conduct transparent procurement involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers as well as Meter Asset Providers holding verified stock. NERC has set maximum procurement prices based on the median national MAP online bid prices from the September 2026 cycle to limit cost inflation. Payments to providers will be made in two stages: 70 per cent upon verified delivery of meter stock and the remaining 30 per cent after confirmation of complete installation. All meters supplied under the programme must be provided free of charge to customers. Each meter is required to display the relevant DisCo’s name, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription “NOT FOR SALE”.

The commission has directed that all supply and installation contracts be filed with it and that installations under Tranche C be completed on or before 31 May 2027. Monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements apply to the Fund Manager, DisCos and participating providers. Sanctions are provided for defaults, delays or irregularities that impede installation. Where a DisCo relocates a customer’s connection point for revenue protection, the cost must be borne by the DisCo.

NERC stated that the measure reinforces its commitment to closing the national metering gap, improving revenue assurance, enhancing service delivery and protecting electricity consumers from estimated billing. The order urges strict compliance by all stakeholders to ensure timely deployment and accountability.

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