The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved ₦30 billion to provide free meters to remaining unmetered Band A customers and speed up installations for Band B customers. All installations under the programme must be completed by May 31, 2027.
In a statement on Tuesday, the commission said Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) took effect on November 2, 2026. The money will be shared among the 11 electricity distribution companies, known as DisCos, in proportion to their contributions to the fund. NERC said meters should be distributed equitably across the states within each company’s service area.
The order sets out how the third phase of the Presidential Metering Initiative will be carried out. It requires DisCos to run transparent procurement processes involving eligible local meter manufacturers, assemblers and meter asset providers with verified stock.
NERC set maximum purchase prices using the 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 prominently display the name of the relevant distribution company, the applicable funding tranche and the words “NOT FOR SALE”.
If a DisCo moves an existing customer’s connection point to protect its revenue, the company must pay for the relocation. The order also provides for sanctions if a distributor fails to meet its obligations and holds up installations.
The fund manager, DisCos and participating meter providers must comply with monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements. All supply and installation contracts must be filed with NERC.
The commission urged participants to comply with the order, saying the programme was intended to close Nigeria’s metering gap, improve revenue collection and service delivery, and protect electricity customers.
