By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has earmarked ₦30 billion for the third phase of its Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), as part of efforts to bridge the country’s electricity metering gap and protect consumers from estimated billing.
The initiative, known as Tranche C, is being implemented under Order No. NERC/2026/121, which became effective on November 2, 2026.
The Commission said in a statement on Tuesday that the approved fund would be distributed among the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) according to their respective contributions to the scheme.
According to NERC, the latest intervention is designed to ensure that all remaining unmetered Band A customers receive meters while extending coverage to Band B customers across the country.
The Commission directed the DisCos to adopt transparent procurement procedures involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stocks.
It explained that procurement prices would be guided by the median national MAP online bid prices recorded during the September 2026 bidding cycle.
Under the payment arrangement, selected meter providers would receive 70 per cent of their payment after verification of meter delivery, while the remaining 30 per cent would be released following confirmation of successful installation.
NERC stressed that consumers would not be required to pay for meters supplied and installed under the programme.
It also directed that all meters deployed under the scheme must carry the name of the relevant DisCo, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.
The regulator further clarified that any cost arising from the relocation of an existing customer’s connection point initiated by a DisCo for revenue protection purposes must be borne by the distribution company.
It warned that sanctions would apply where defaults by DisCos obstruct or delay meter installations.
To strengthen accountability, NERC said the Fund Manager, participating DisCos and meter providers would be subjected to monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements.
