NERC Approves 30 Billion Naira for Free Electricity Meters

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission approved 30 billion naira for the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund to provide free electricity meters to unmetered customers. Effective November 2, 2026, the funding targets all remaining Band A customers and accelerates deployment for Band B customers to address a metering gap affecting approximately 4.7 million of the 12.75 million active customers. While most reports cite the approval as 30 billion naira, one source reports the amount as 300 billion naira.

This latest allocation increases the total Meter Acquisition Fund to 79 billion naira. The commission mandated that 11 electricity distribution companies procure meters from verified local manufacturers and providers. A two-stage payment structure was established, with 70 percent paid upon delivery and 30 percent upon installation.

All meters must be marked NOT FOR SALE and provided to customers at no cost. The commission set a deadline of May 31, 2027, for the completion of all installations under this tranche.