NERC Approves ₦30 Billion for Free Meters to Band A and Band B Customers

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved ₦30 billion to supply free meters to remaining unmetered Band A customers and to speed up installations for Band B customers. The commission said all work under the programme must be finished by May 31, 2027. In a statement issued on Tuesday, NERC said Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) took effect on November 2, 2026. The funds will be divided among the 11 electricity distribution companies, or DisCos, according to how much each contributed to the fund. NERC said meters must be allocated fairly across the states within each company's service territory. The order details how the third phase of the Presidential Metering Initiative will be implemented. Under the order, DisCos must carry out transparent procurement processes that include eligible local meter manufacturers, assemblers and meter asset providers with verified stock. NERC set maximum purchase prices based on median prices from the September 2026 national online bidding round for meter asset providers. "Payment to selected providers shall be made in two stages: 70% upon verified delivery of meter stock and the remaining 30% upon confirmation of complete installation," the commission said. Customers will not be charged for meters supplied and installed under the programme. Each meter must clearly show the name of the relevant distribution company, the applicable funding tranche and the words "NOT FOR SALE". If a DisCo relocates an existing customer's connection point to protect its revenue, the company must cover the cost of the relocation. The order also includes penalties for distributors that fail to meet their obligations and delay installations. The fund manager, DisCos and participating meter providers must meet monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements. All supply and installation contracts must be submitted to NERC. The commission urged participants to follow the order, saying the programme is intended to reduce Nigeria's metering gap, improve revenue collection and service delivery, and protect electricity customers.