NERC approves N300 billion to DisCos to shut metering hole

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has permitted ₦300 billion for Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) beneath the Presidential Metering Initiative, aimed toward closing the nation’s persistent metering hole and accelerating vitality accountability.

The resolution, formalized by way of Order No. NERC/2026/121 and efficient November 2, 2026, establishes a structured framework for distributing funds among the many eleven Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) primarily based on their contributions to the fund.

Speaking on the target of the funding, a senior official on the Commission said, “The primary goal of Tranche C is to ensure that all remaining unmetered Band A customers are fully metered without delay, while simultaneously accelerating meter deployment for Band B customers across all states within the respective DisCo franchise areas.”

To assure transparency and enhance home capability, NERC directed DisCos to conduct open procurement processes involving certified Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified inventory. Procurement caps have been benchmarked in opposition to the median nationwide MAP on-line bid costs from September 2026.

Under the cost construction, suppliers will obtain 70 % of funds upon verified supply of meter inventory and the remaining 30 % after full set up is confirmed.

Reassuring electrical energy shoppers throughout the nation, NERC emphasised that the train comes at no expense to end-users.

“All meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme shall be provided free of charge to customers,” the regulator clarified. “Every meter unit must prominently bear the name of the relevant DisCo, the applicable MAF tranche, and the inscription ‘NOT FOR SALE’ to prevent extortion.”

The Commission added that the place a DisCo relocates a buyer’s connection level for income safety, the utility agency should bear the whole price.

NERC warned that default sanctions shall be enforced in opposition to DisCos that impede set up timelines, including that every one meter installations beneath Tranche C have to be accomplished on or earlier than May 31, 2027.

The regulator urged strict compliance from all trade gamers to reinforce service supply and shield shopper rights.