The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has clarified that electricity meters being deployed nationwide are not universally free, amid confusion over the Federal Government’s metering initiatives and recent warnings to electricity distribution companies (DisCos) on illegal charges.
Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that NERC Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, explained during a Fresh FM interview that meters provided under government-funded programmes, including the World Bank-supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), are fully free at the point of installation. Customers who prefer or require immediate metering due to rollout delays may opt for the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, which involves payment to approved companies only.
Oseni emphasised, “The meter provided by the government is 100 per cent free. DISREP meters are paid for by the Federal Government, so DisCos are not allowed to collect any money from customers for them.” He added that any attempt by DisCos to collect fees upfront for these government-subsidised meters is illegal.
The NERC chairman further noted that government-funded meters are clearly identifiable, bearing the DisCo’s name and the inscription “DISREP.” The regulator urged consumers to remain vigilant and ensure payments, if made under MAP, are to authorised providers.
The clarification follows concerns over cost recovery raised by some electricity distribution companies, despite directives from the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, that DISREP meters must be installed free of charge across all tariff bands. The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) also confirmed that infrastructure costs, including meters, are ultimately recovered through tariffs rather than direct consumer payments.
Oseni recalled that President Bola Tinubu had committed to closing Nigeria’s metering gap, with DISREP marking the first phase of this initiative. With approximately 5.9 million unmetered electricity customers nationwide, the regulator emphasised that public awareness of metering options and rights under government schemes remains critical.
Consumers are advised to report any DisCo or installer demanding payments for DISREP meters and to follow official channels for updates on the Presidential Metering Initiative.
