Unmetered Band A and Band B electricity customers across Nigeria can now expect free electricity meters under the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) ₦30 billion plan, which went live on 2 November 2026. The initiative, part of the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) introduced through NERC Order No. NERC/2026/121, offers customers no charge for meters or installation, with distribution companies (DisCos) tasked with procurement and deployment.
Under the order, all remaining unmetered Band A customers will be metered, while Band B customers are directed to accelerate installations. However, NERC has not guaranteed that every unmetered Band B customer will receive a meter immediately, leaving the pace of rollout to the individual DisCos.
The 11 national DisCos are required to source meters from eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) that hold verified stock. Procurement must be transparent, and meter distribution must be fair across the states served by each company.
All meters supplied under the programme are free, with no installation fee for customers. Each unit must display the name of the distribution company, the applicable funding tranche, and the inscription “NOT FOR SALE” to prevent resale. NERC has given DisCos until 31 May 2027 to complete all installations, and the commission will monitor progress through reporting and evaluation involving the Fund Manager, the DisCos, and participating meter providers.
In addition, the order protects customers from extra costs if a distribution company relocates connection points for revenue protection; the company must cover any relocation expenses. For now, the key takeaway for unmetered Band A and B customers is that the meters are free, but installation will depend on the implementation pace of their respective distribution company.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
