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The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has authorized N30 billion for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) to provide free electrical energy meters to unmetered Band A customers and speed up metering for Band B customers.
The approval is contained in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the MAF, which takes impact from November 2, 2026. The initiative is a part of the Presidential Metering Initiative, aimed toward decreasing Nigeria’s metering hole and bettering electrical energy service supply.
The funding can be distributed among the many 11 electrical energy distribution corporations (DisCos) in accordance to their respective contributions to the Fund, with installations unfold equitably throughout states inside their franchise areas.
NERC directs DisCos to conduct clear course of for free meters
Under the Order, NERC directed DisCos to conduct clear procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter inventory.
The Commission has additionally set most procurement costs based mostly on the median nationwide MAP on-line bid costs recorded through the September 2026 bid cycle.
- Selected meter suppliers will obtain 70% of their fee after verified supply of meter inventory.
- The remaining 30% can be paid after the Commission confirms that set up has been accomplished.
- All meters provided and put in beneath the programme have to be supplied free of cost to electrical energy customers.
- Each meter should show the title of the related DisCo, the relevant MAF tranche and the inscription “NOT FOR SALE”.
The Order additional states that the place a DisCo initiates the relocation of an present buyer’s connection level for income safety functions, the distribution firm should bear the price.
DisCos face set up and reporting necessities
NERC has launched monitoring and accountability measures to be sure that the funds are correctly utilised and meters are delivered to customers.
- The Fund Manager, DisCos and taking part meter suppliers are required to adjust to reporting, monitoring and analysis necessities. All provide and set up contracts should even be filed with the Commission.
- The Order supplies for sanctions the place a DisCo’s default prevents or delays meter set up.
All installations beneath Tranche C have to be accomplished on or earlier than May 31, 2027. NERC urged stakeholders to adjust to the necessities, saying the initiative would help efforts to shut the nationwide metering hole, enhance income assurance, improve service supply and defend electrical energy shoppers.
NERC intensifies metering interventions
The newest approval builds on earlier interventions to enhance electrical energy metering and tackle considerations over customer-funded meters.
In March 2026, NERC directed all electricity distribution companies to reimburse N20.33 billion to customers for meters procured beneath the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework.
Earlier, in October 2025, the Federal Government approved the disbursement of N28 billion to DisCos beneath the MAF Tranche B scheme for the procurement and set up of pay as you go meters.
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