NERC Approves N30bn To Meter Unmetered Band A, B Customers

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved N30bn for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) to accelerate the metering of unmetered Band A and Band B electricity customers across the country.

The Commission disclosed this in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the MAF, which took effect on November 2, 2026.

Under the arrangement, the fund will be distributed among the 11 electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) in proportion to their respective contributions to the fund.

NERC said the funding would be used to meter all remaining unmetered Band A customers and accelerate the metering of Band B customers, with equitable distribution across states within the respective DisCos’ franchise areas.

The Commission directed DisCos to conduct transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stock.

It added that maximum procurement prices had been prescribed based on the median national MAP online bid prices from the September 2026 bid cycle.

According to the order, payments to selected meter providers will be made in two stages, with 70 per cent payable upon verified delivery of meter stock and the remaining 30 per cent after confirmation of complete installation.

NERC stressed that all meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme must be provided free of charge to electricity consumers.

It also directed that every meter must prominently display the name of the relevant DisCo, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.

The Commission further stated that where a DisCo initiates the relocation of an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the cost must be borne by the DisCo.

It added that the order provides for sanctions where a DisCo’s default impedes meter installation.

NERC said the order establishes monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements for the Fund Manager, DisCos and participating meter providers.

It also mandated that all supply and installation contracts be filed with the Commission, while all meter installations under Tranche C must be completed on or before May 31, 2027.

The Commission urged all stakeholders to comply with the order, saying the initiative would help close the national metering gap, improve revenue assurance, enhance service delivery and protect electricity consumers.