The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved N30 billion for the third phase of its Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), aimed at providing free electricity meters to all remaining unmetered Band A customers and expanding metering coverage for Band B consumers.
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The approval was announced in Order No. NERC/2026/121, which provides for the implementation of Tranche C of the fund and took effect on November 2, 2026.
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Under the arrangement, the N30 billion will be distributed among Nigeria’s 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) according to their respective contributions to the fund.
NERC said the latest phase was intended to speed up efforts to address the country’s metering shortfall while ensuring that meters are distributed fairly across states within the operational areas of the respective DisCos.
The commission directed the distribution companies to adopt transparent procurement procedures involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs), as well as Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stocks.
It added that the maximum procurement prices would be determined using the median national online bid prices submitted by MAPs during the September 2026 bidding cycle.
Under the payment arrangement, selected meter providers will receive their payments in two instalments. The first 70 per cent will be released after verification of meter stock delivery, while the remaining 30 per cent will be paid following confirmation that installation has been completed.
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NERC stressed that customers must not be charged for meters supplied and installed through the MAF programme.
It also instructed that every meter provided under the scheme must clearly bear the name of the relevant distribution company, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.
The commission further clarified that where a DisCo decides to relocate an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the distribution company must cover the cost.
It warned that distribution companies could face sanctions if their failure to meet stipulated obligations causes delays or prevents meter installations.
To promote accountability, the order also establishes monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements for the Fund Manager, participating DisCos and meter providers.
NERC further directed that all procurement and installation agreements under Tranche C must be submitted to the commission.
All meters approved under the latest phase are expected to be supplied and installed by May 31, 2027.
The regulator urged electricity distribution companies and other stakeholders to adhere to the requirements, stating that the initiative was designed to reduce Nigeria’s metering deficit, improve revenue assurance, enhance electricity service delivery and safeguard consumer interests.
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