The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a critical clarification regarding the federal government’s metering programs, stating that while some meters are indeed free, others require payment depending on the scheme chosen by the customer.
In a bid to clear the growing confusion surrounding the distribution of electricity meters, NERC Chairman Musiliu Oseni explained that meters provided under the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) are 100% free at the point of installation.
However, he noted that the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme remains a paid option for customers who wish to bypass the waiting period for free meters.
Speaking during a radio interview on Saturday, Oseni emphasized that the DISREP meters are fully funded by the federal government through a loan, which will be repaid over time through electricity tariffs.
Consequently, Distribution Companies (DisCos) are strictly prohibited from charging customers upfront for these specific units.
“The meter provided by the government is 100 per cent free. The DisCos have been rolling it out… through the tariff, DisCos are not going to charge customers because of the meter. They are to provide it free of charge,” Oseni stated.
He warned that any official demanding payment for a DISREP meter is committing an illegality. “If you get the free meter, you are not to be paid anything,” he added.
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Why Some Customers Still Pay The NERC Chairman clarified that the “free meter” narrative does not cover every available meter in the country.
He explained that the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme operates simultaneously to cater to customers who cannot afford to wait for the rollout of the government-funded units.
“There is still the Meter Asset Provider,” Oseni said. “Those residing in an area where it will take time before the free installation gets to them, and they cannot wait, can decide to pay for a Meter Asset Provider.”
He advised that customers opting for MAP must ensure they pay directly into a company’s account, not to individual installers or staff.
Crucially, he noted that under current regulations, customers who pay upfront for MAP meters are entitled to a refund via energy credits over time.
Oseni urged Nigerians to be vigilant. He pointed out that meters meant to be free often have specific inscriptions.
“When the MAP meter gets to them, they can check whether it is a meter that is meant to be free that is being provided after payment,” he advised.
This clarification follows recent warnings by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who threatened to sanction DisCos and installers found extorting Nigerians for meter installations.
