SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved ₦30 billion for the provision of free electricity meters to unmetered Band A customers and the acceleration of meter installations for Band B customers across the country.
The initiative is expected to address persistent complaints about estimated billing, which has remained a major source of frustration for electricity consumers who often accuse distribution companies of charging them for power they did not consume.
In an order issued on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, NERC announced that Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) became effective on November 2, with all meter procurement and installation activities expected to be completed by May 31, 2027.
The ₦30 billion allocation will be distributed among Nigeria’s 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) according to their respective contributions to the fund. The commission also directed that meters must be distributed fairly across the different states within each company’s operational territory.
The latest funding forms part of the third phase of the Presidential Metering Initiative, a government-backed program designed to close Nigeria’s electricity metering gap and reduce the widespread reliance on estimated billing.
Under the new arrangement, electricity distribution companies are required to conduct transparent procurement exercises involving qualified local meter manufacturers, assemblers, and meter asset providers with verified stock.
NERC has also introduced payment safeguards to ensure that providers deliver the meters before receiving full payment. According to the commission, selected providers will receive 70 per cent of their payment after verified delivery of meter stock, while the remaining 30 per cent will only be released after successful installation is confirmed.
Importantly, customers will not be required to pay for meters provided under the program. Each meter must carry the name of the relevant electricity distribution company, its funding tranche, and the inscription “NOT FOR SALE” to prevent illegal sales and exploitation of consumers.
The commission further warned that distribution companies must take responsibility for the cost of relocating customers’ connection points when such changes are made to protect their revenue collection. DisCos that fail to meet their obligations or delay installations could also face sanctions.
NERC said the fund manager, electricity distributors, and participating meter providers would be subject to monitoring, reporting, and evaluation requirements. All supply and installation contracts must also be submitted to the commission.
The approval comes at a time when electricity consumers are increasingly demanding transparency, fair billing, and improved service delivery.
Although the ₦30 billion intervention represents another major attempt to address the country’s metering challenges, its real impact will depend on how quickly the meters reach consumers and whether distribution companies comply with the installation deadlines.
For millions of Nigerians who have continued to complain about estimated electricity bills, the expectation is simple: they want to pay for the electricity they actually consume, rather than depend on calculations they cannot independently verify.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
