The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has moved to clear up confusion about electricity meters. The regulator says only meters funded by the Federal Government are free, while other options still require payment.
NERC Chairman Musiliu Oseni explained during a radio interview on Fresh FM that meters supplied under the World Bank–backed Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) are fully funded by the government.
“The meter provided by the government is 100% free. The DISREP meter is free because it is paid for by the government,” he said.
Oseni stressed that electricity distribution companies (DisCos) are prohibited from charging customers for DISREP meters.
He added that although DisCos must repay government loans used to procure the devices, consumers are not responsible for upfront payments.
Customers can identify genuine free meters by the “DISREP” inscription that follows the name of their DisCo. Oseni urged Nigerians to report any illegal demands for payment.
He also reminded consumers that the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme remains available. Under MAP, customers who do not want to wait for free installations can pay for meters through registered providers.
“Those residing in areas where it will take time before free installation gets to them can decide to pay for a MAP meter,” Oseni said.
The NERC chairman confirmed that customers who previously paid upfront for meters under approved schemes are entitled to refunds.
Minister’s Warning
The clarification follows a directive from Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, who recently inspected newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals in Apapa, Lagos. He warned DisCos and installers against collecting payments for DISREP meters.
“It is an offence for officials of distribution companies or installers to request a dime before installation,” Adelabu said.
Despite this, some DisCos are concerned about financial sustainability. They argue that while customers may not pay upfront, the cost of meters will eventually be recovered through tariffs, creating operational challenges.
Some operators, speaking anonymously, described the policy as politically driven and lacking consultation.
The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), however, explained that electricity consumers ultimately pay for infrastructure investments through tariffs, which is standard practice in the power sector.
The conversation is about how to balance consumer protection with the financial realities of its electricity market.
Although free meters may ease public frustration, DisCos say they find it hard to sustain operations without upfront payments.
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