The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved ₦30bn for the installation of free electricity meters for all remaining unmetered Band A customers and additional Band B customers.

The funding, approved under Order No. NERC/2026/121, forms part of the Federal Government’s Presidential Metering Initiative aimed at reducing the number of electricity consumers without meters.

According to the Commission, the ₦30bn will be distributed among the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in proportion to their respective contributions to the Meter Acquisition Fund.

Under the arrangement, the DisCos are required to conduct transparent procurement exercises involving eligible local meter manufacturers, assemblers and Meter Asset Providers with verified meter stocks.

NERC said payments to selected meter providers would be made in two stages, with 70 per cent released after verified delivery of meter stocks and the remaining 30 per cent paid after confirmation of installation.

The Commission emphasised that meters supplied and installed under the programme must be provided free of charge to electricity customers.

It also directed that every meter supplied under the scheme must display the name of the relevant DisCo, the applicable funding tranche and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.

The order further provides 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 rather than the customer.

To strengthen accountability, NERC has also introduced monitoring and reporting requirements for the Fund Manager, DisCos and participating meter providers. All supply and installation contracts must be submitted to the Commission.

The regulator said all installations under Tranche C must be completed on or before May 31, 2027, adding that sanctions would apply where DisCo defaults impede meter installation.

The latest funding comes as Nigeria continues efforts to address its electricity metering deficit, with the initiative expected to improve billing transparency, reduce estimated billing disputes and strengthen consumer protection.

However, the success of the third tranche will depend on how effectively the distribution companies translate the approved funding into completed installations within the stipulated period.