By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage– The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has approved ₦30 billion for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), targeting the provision of free electricity meters to unmetered Band A and Band B customers across the country.
The approval, contained in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund, took effect on November 2, 2026, as part of efforts to accelerate the closure of Nigeria’s metering gap.
NERC said the ₦30 billion would be allocated among the 11 electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) in proportion to their respective contributions to the fund.
Under the arrangement, priority will be given to metering all remaining unmetered Band A customers, while accelerating meter deployment to Band B customers, with equitable distribution across states within each DisCo’s franchise area.
The Commission directed DisCos to conduct transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stock.
It also prescribed maximum procurement prices based on the median national MAP online bid prices from the September 2026 bid cycle.
Payments to selected meter providers will be made in two stages, with 70 per cent released upon verified delivery of meter stock and the remaining 30 per cent paid after confirmation of complete installation.
The Commission emphasised that all meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme must be provided free of charge to electricity consumers.
It further directed that every meter must prominently display the name of the relevant DisCo, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription “NOT FOR SALE”.
NERC also clarified that where a DisCo initiates the relocation of an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the cost must be borne by the distribution company.
The Order equally provides for sanctions where defaults by DisCos impede meter installation.
To strengthen accountability, the Commission has prescribed monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements for the Fund Manager, DisCos and participating meter providers.
All supply and installation contracts under the programme must also be filed with the Commission.
NERC set May 31, 2027, as the deadline for completing all meter installations under Tranche C.
The Commission urged stakeholders to comply strictly with the Order, noting that the initiative is expected to accelerate the closure of the national metering gap, improve revenue assurance, enhance electricity service delivery and strengthen consumer protection.
