The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has clarified that not all electricity meters currently being installed across Nigeria are free, addressing widespread confusion about the Federal Government’s metering initiatives and warnings against illegal charges by electricity distribution companies.
Speaking during a radio interview on Fresh FM on Saturday, NERC Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, explained that meters provided under government-funded programmes are free at installation, while customers who cannot wait for the rollout may choose paid alternatives.
Oseni said meters supplied under the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) are fully funded by the Federal Government and must be installed at no cost to customers.
“The meter provided by the government is completely free. DISREP meters are funded by the government, and electricity distribution companies are not allowed to charge customers for them,” he stated.
He explained that although distribution companies would repay the loan used to procure the meters, customers would not be required to make any upfront payment. Instead, the cost is gradually recovered through electricity tariffs, not direct charges.
“If you receive a free meter, you are not expected to pay anything. No electricity distribution company has the right to collect money from customers for a DISREP meter,” Oseni emphasised.
However, he noted that the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme is still available for customers who prefer to pay for faster installation rather than waiting for the government-funded rollout. He warned customers to ensure payments are made only to authorised companies and not individuals.
Oseni also advised customers to verify free meters by checking for the “DISREP” inscription, which confirms that the meter is part of the government-funded programme.
He explained that the commission introduced various metering initiatives because electricity distribution companies were facing challenges accessing financing from banks.
He further disclosed that customers who previously paid upfront for meters under approved schemes are eligible for refunds.
The clarification follows recent controversy after the Federal Government banned electricity distribution companies and installers from collecting any money for meters supplied under the World Bank-funded DISREP programme.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had earlier warned that it is illegal for any official or installer to demand payment for these meters, stressing that they must be installed free for consumers regardless of their tariff band.
Despite this directive, some electricity distribution companies expressed concerns about cost recovery and long-term financial sustainability.
The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) also clarified that while customers do not pay directly for the meters, the costs are eventually recovered through electricity tariffs, just like other infrastructure investments.
Currently, Nigeria still has about 5.9 million electricity customers without prepaid meters. The Federal Government is working to close this gap through initiatives such as DISREP and the Presidential Metering Initiative.
Since the announcement of the free meter programme, many consumers have been confused about why some meters still require payment, but NERC’s clarification has helped explain the difference between free government-funded meters and optional paid meters under the MAP scheme.
