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 customers and accelerating metering for Band B consumers.
The Commission disclosed this in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund, which took effect on November 2, 2026.
Under the arrangement, the ₦30 billion fund will be distributed among the country’s 11 electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) in proportion to their respective contributions to the fund.
The initiative, which forms part of the Presidential Metering Initiative, is designed to accelerate the closure of Nigeria’s metering gap, improve revenue assurance and strengthen electricity service delivery.
NERC directed the DisCos to ensure transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stocks.
The regulator also prescribed maximum procurement prices based on median national MAP online bid prices from the September 2026 bidding cycle.
It further stipulated that payments to selected meter providers must be made in two stages, with 70 per cent released upon verified delivery of meter stocks and the remaining 30 per cent paid after confirmation of complete installation.
Reaffirming its commitment to consumer protection, NERC stressed that all meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme must be provided **free of charge** to electricity customers.
It directed that every meter must prominently display the name of the relevant DisCo, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.
The Commission 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 further provides for sanctions where defaults by DisCos obstruct or delay meter installation.
To strengthen accountability, NERC mandated the Fund Manager, DisCos and participating meter providers to comply with monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements.
It also directed that all supply and installation contracts be submitted to the Commission for regulatory oversight.
NERC fixed May 31, 2027, as the deadline for completing all meter installations under Tranche C.
The Commission urged all stakeholders to comply strictly with the order, describing the initiative as a critical component of efforts to eliminate estimated billing, improve electricity revenue collection and protect consumers.
