The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has cleared a N30 billion disbursement under the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), directing the 11 electricity distribution companies to supply meters at no cost to unmetered Band A customers and to speed up metering for Band B customers.
The decision is contained in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the operationalisation of Tranche C of the MAF and took effect on November 2, 2026. The programme forms part of the Presidential Metering Initiative, which seeks to narrow the national metering gap and improve service delivery across the power sector.
Under the arrangement, the fund will be allocated to the DisCos in proportion to their contributions to the MAF, while installations are to be spread equitably across states within each company's franchise area.
For procurement, NERC has instructed DisCos to run transparent processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) that hold verified meter stock. Maximum procurement prices have been set using the median national MAP online bid prices recorded during the September 2026 bid cycle.
Payment and delivery conditions are structured in two stages:
- Selected meter providers will receive 70% of payment after verified delivery of meter stock. - The remaining 30% will be released only after the Commission confirms that installation has been completed.
All meters supplied and installed under the programme must be given to electricity customers free of charge. Each unit must carry the name of the relevant DisCo, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription "NOT FOR SALE".
The Order also addresses cost allocation for connection relocations. Where a DisCo moves an existing customer's connection point for revenue protection purposes, the distribution company must absorb the cost.
On accountability, the Fund Manager, DisCos and participating meter providers must comply with reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements, and all supply and installation contracts must be filed with the Commission. Sanctions apply where a DisCo's default prevents or delays meter installation.
