The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has moved to clear widespread confusion over electricity meter charges, declaring that while some meters being rolled out nationwide are completely free, others must still be paid for under approved schemes.
The clarification comes amid rising public complaints and warnings by the Federal Government against electricity distribution companies (DisCos) over alleged illegal charges imposed on consumers.
Speaking on a radio programme on Fresh FM on Saturday, NERC Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, explained that meters supplied under government-funded programmes attract no cost at the point of installation, while customers who prefer not to wait may lawfully obtain meters through regulated paid options.
Oseni said meters provided under the World Bank–supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) are fully funded by the Federal Government and must be installed free of charge. He stressed that DisCos are expressly barred from demanding any form of payment from customers for meters deployed under the scheme.
“The meter provided by the government is 100 percent free. The DISREP meter is free because it is paid for by the government. Through the tariff, DisCos are not going to charge customers because of the meter. They are to provide it free of charge,” Oseni said.
He explained that although DisCos are expected to repay the loans used by the Federal Government to procure the meters, the repayment arrangement does not involve upfront payments by electricity consumers.
The NERC chairman urged customers to remain alert and report any illegal demands, adding that genuine free meters can be identified by the inscription “DISREP” written after the name of the relevant DisCo.
Oseni also clarified that the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme remains in place for customers who may be unable to wait for the phased deployment of free meters due to timing or logistical constraints. He advised such customers to ensure that payments are made only to registered MAP companies and through approved channels.
“There is still the Meter Asset Provider option. Those residing in areas where it will take time before free installation gets to them can decide to pay for a MAP meter,” he said.
He further disclosed that customers who previously paid for meters under approved arrangements are entitled to refunds, in line with existing regulations.
The clarification follows renewed controversy triggered by a recent directive from the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who warned DisCos and installers against collecting any money for meters supplied under the DISREP initiative.
During an inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals in Apapa, Lagos, Adelabu declared that all meters procured under the programme must be installed free, irrespective of a customer’s tariff band.
“It is an offence for officials of distribution companies or installers to request a dime before installation,” the minister said.
Despite the directive, some DisCos have privately raised concerns about financial sustainability, arguing that even though customers may not pay upfront, the cost of meters would still be recovered over time through tariffs, placing pressure on their operations.
Some operators, who spoke anonymously, described the policy as politically motivated and said it lacked sufficient consultation with key stakeholders.
However, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) countered the argument, noting that electricity consumers ultimately pay for infrastructure investments through tariffs, a practice it said is consistent with standard operations in the power sector.
As confusion persists across households and business premises, NERC’s latest clarification is expected to guide consumers, curb illegal charges, and bring greater transparency to Nigeria’s ongoing electricity metering drive.
