NERC Unveils ₦30bn Free Metering Fund for Band A, B Consumers

​ABUJA — In a major push to shrink Nigeria’s persistent electricity metering gap, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has greenlit the disbursement of ₦30 billion for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF).

​The intervention, formalized under Order No. NERC/2026/121 and effective from November 2, 2026, forms a central pillar of the Presidential Metering Initiative. It brings cumulative approvals under the MAF framework to ₦79 billion, following earlier tranches of ₦21 billion and ₦28 billion.

​Target on Band A and B Consumers

​According to the regulatory blueprint, the fresh ₦30 billion fund is strictly dedicated to clearing out all remaining unmetered customers within the premium Band A tier while significantly accelerating meter deployment for Band B consumers.

​NERC has mandated that the funds be allocated among the country’s eleven electricity distribution companies (DisCos) proportionate to their historical contributions to the MAF pool. Furthermore, distribution must be executed equitably across all states falling within each DisCo’s designated franchise territory.

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​Strict “Free of Charge” Policy and DisCo Obligations

​To safeguard consumers from extortion, NERC reiterated that all meters procured, supplied, and installed under the MAF programme must be delivered strictly free of charge.

​To enforce compliance and track accountability, the commission has outlined stringent identification requirements:

• ​Branding Mandate: Every deployed meter must visibly display the respective DisCo’s name, the specific MAF tranche identifier, and the unambiguous inscription “NOT FOR SALE”.

• ​Connection Relocation Costs: In instances where a DisCo mandates the shifting of an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the financial burden rests entirely on the utility company.

• ​Sanctions for Default: NERC has introduced strict supervisory oversight, warning that severe regulatory sanctions will apply to any DisCo whose operational inertia or default delays installation timelines.

​Procurement Rules and May 2027 Deadline

​To maintain transparency, DisCos are mandated to source meters via competitive procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) alongside verified Meter Asset Providers (MAPs). Procurement ceilings are capped using median national MAP online bid prices.

​Payment structures are tied closely to delivery milestones: suppliers will receive 70 percent of contract value upon verification of stock delivery, with the remaining 30 percent disbursed only after installation is confirmed.

​All participating entities are bound by a strict deadline, with NERC directing that every meter installation under Tranche C must be completed on or before May 31, 2027.