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The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has clarified that electricity consumers should not assume all meters being rolled out nationwide are free, stressing that only meters funded under specific government programmes come at no cost to customers.
According to the regulator, meters provided through the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) are fully funded by the Federal Government and must be installed without charging beneficiaries.
NERC emphasised that electricity distribution companies are barred from requesting payment from customers covered by the programme.
However, the commission explained that other metering options still require payment, particularly those obtained under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme.
Under this arrangement, customers who prefer faster access to meters outside government-funded rollouts may pay approved costs upfront, subject to existing regulatory guidelines.
NERC Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, said the clarification became necessary following widespread misinformation suggesting that all new meters were free, regardless of the source of funding.
He noted that such assumptions had led to confusion and disputes between consumers and distribution companies.
“Only meters financed through government interventions are free at the point of installation.
“Where a customer chooses a different metering route, the applicable costs remain valid under the regulations,” Oseni said.
Furthermore, NERC warned distribution companies against exploiting the situation to impose illegal charges on consumers, reiterating that violations would attract sanctions.
The commission also confirmed that customers who previously paid for meters under approved schemes remain eligible for refunds or energy credits, in line with regulatory provisions.
The clarification comes as Nigeria continues efforts to close its metering gap, improve billing transparency, and reduce disputes arising from estimated electricity charges.
NERC said it would continue monitoring metering programmes nationwide to ensure compliance and protect consumer rights.