Electricity Meters Remain Free – NERC Reassures Nigerians

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has reassured electricity consumers that meters supplied under government-backed metering initiatives are free, clarifying that customers are not required to pay for installations provided through the programmes.

The Commission gave the assurance during an X Space discussion on Wednesday, explaining that the interventions were designed to ensure that electricity meters reach homes and business premises across the country without imposing payment obligations on consumers.

“Meters are free for all customers. All the interventions that have been made are done on the basis that meters will get to the homes and business premises of all Nigerians without them being obligated to make any payment,” the Commission said.

However, NERC explained that consumers who are unwilling to wait for meters under the free distribution programmes can voluntarily obtain them through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme.

It noted that the scheme provides an alternative for customers dissatisfied with estimated billing who prefer to have prepaid meters while awaiting the deployment of those supplied under government-backed interventions.

“So where a customer is uncomfortable with that particular estimated billing, he is free to get a meter; he’s free to pay for a meter under the MAP scheme,” NERC stated.

The Commission attributed some of the delays in meter deployment to the time required for procurement and the logistics involved in distributing the equipment to customers.

It added that consumers who purchase meters through the MAP scheme are entitled to refunds in the form of energy credits.

“However, it’s important to reassure them that whatever payment he makes will ultimately be refunded in the form of energy credits,” the Commission said.

According to NERC, customers across the country have already benefited from refunds arising from meter purchases under the scheme.

The regulatory body also identified electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and the forthcoming Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) as part of the broader efforts to expand meter availability and address the persistent challenges associated with estimated billing.

It stressed that consumers are not obligated to pay for meters provided under these interventions, emphasising that purchasing a meter through the MAP scheme remains a voluntary option for those who prefer immediate access rather than waiting for free distribution.

The clarification comes amid continued concerns over estimated electricity bills, with consumers increasingly seeking prepaid meters to improve transparency, monitor their energy consumption and exercise greater control over their electricity expenses.

NERC’s assurance reinforces the distinction between government-backed free metering interventions and the MAP scheme, under which customers may voluntarily pay upfront, subject to the applicable refund arrangements.