The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved N30 billion for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) and directed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to provide meters free of charge to customers by May 31, 2027.
The commission announced the approval in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund, released in Abuja on Tuesday.
NERC said the directive, which took effect on November 2, established a transparent framework for implementing the third tranche of the Presidential Metering Initiative to accelerate the closure of Nigeria’s metering gap.
“Under the order, the N30 billion will be allocated among the 11 DisCos in proportion to their respective contributions to the fund,” it said.
The commission said the funding was intended to meter all remaining unmetered Band A customers and accelerate the metering of Band B customers, with equitable distribution across states within each DisCo’s franchise area.
It directed the DisCos to conduct transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stocks.
The commission also prescribed maximum procurement prices based on the median national MAP online bid prices from the September bid cycle.
“Payment to selected providers shall be made in two stages: 70 per cent upon verified delivery of meter stock and the remaining 30 per cent upon confirmation of complete installation,” it said.
NERC reiterated that all meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme must be provided free of charge to customers, with installations completed on or before May 31, 2027.
It directed that every meter must prominently display the relevant DisCo’s name, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “not for sale”.
The commission added that where a DisCo initiates the relocation of an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, it must bear the cost.
To ensure accountability and transparency, NERC said the order prescribed monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements for the fund manager, DisCos and participating meter providers.
It also directed that all supply and installation contracts be filed with the commission.
NERC urged all stakeholders to comply strictly with the order, saying it reinforced its commitment to closing the national metering gap, improving revenue assurance, enhancing service delivery and protecting electricity consumers.
