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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved ₦30 billion for Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF).
To this end, NERC directed that Tranche C be allocated among the eleven distribution companies (DisCos) in proportion to their respective contributions to the fund.
The funding, according to the commission, is intended to meter all remaining unmetered Band A customers and accelerate the metering of Band B customers, with equitable distribution across states within the respective DisCo franchise areas.
According to a report on the order, DisCos are required to undertake transparent procurement processes involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stock.
The commission, the report said, has prescribed maximum procurement prices based on the median national MAP online bid prices from the September 2026 bid cycle. Payment to selected providers, it explained, shall be made in two stages: 70 per cent upon verified delivery of meter stock and the remaining 30 per cent upon confirmation of complete installation.
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The commission reiterated that all meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme shall be provided free of charge to customers. Every meter must prominently display the relevant DisCo’s name, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription “NOT FOR SALE”. Where a DisCo initiates the relocation of an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the cost shall be borne by the DisCo.
The order also provides for sanctions where a DisCo impedes meter installation.
To ensure accountability and transparency, the order prescribed monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements for the fund manager, DisCos and participating meter providers.
NERC reiterated that all supply and installation contracts must be filed with the commission. In addition, all meter installations under Tranche C must be completed on or before 31 May 2027.
The commission urged all stakeholders to comply strictly with the provisions of the order, which reinforces its commitment to closing the national metering gap, improving revenue assurance, enhancing service delivery and protecting electricity consumers.
