In Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address the massive metering gap and eliminate estimated billing, confusion persists among electricity consumers about whether prepaid meters are provided free of charge.
Recent clarifications from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and related government initiatives shed light on the situation, particularly as the World Bank-supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP)continues its rollout.
Government Rollout Program
The DISREP, a $500 million intervention funded by the World Bank in collaboration with the Federal Government through the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), targets improving the financial sustainability of electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).
Key focuses include reducing Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection (ATC&C) losses, currently around 33% nationally and closing the metering deficit, estimated at about 5.3 million unmetered customers.
Under DISREP, the program aims to deploy over 3.2 million smart meters over four years. As of recent updates, nearly 700,000 meters have been delivered, with installations progressing, though slower than anticipated (around 150,000–200,000 installed so far).
The Federal Government fully funds these meters through concessional financing, meaning they are provided and installed free of charge to eligible customers at the point of installation.
NERC Chairman Musiliu Oseni and BPE officials have emphasized that DisCos are prohibited from charging customers any upfront fees for DISREP meters. DisCos will repay the government loans over time at minimal interest rates, with recovery potentially built into broader sector tariffs rather than direct consumer payments for the meters themselves.
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu has reinforced this, stating during inspections that demanding payments for these meters is an offence.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Clarification
Amid public confusion and reports of some DisCos or agents attempting charges, NERC has clearly stated that “not all meters are free.” Only those supplied under government-funded programs like DISREP are 100% free at installation.
In a recent radio interview on Fresh FM, Chairman Musiliu Oseni explained: “The meter provided by the government is 100 per cent 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.”
He added that previous customers who paid upfront under approved schemes may be entitled to refunds in certain cases.
NERC has warned against illegal collections and stressed vigilance, aligning with the Minister’s directive that meters under DISREP must be installed free regardless of tariff band.
How To Get An Electricity Meter
Consumers have options depending on urgency and availability:
Free DISREP Meter (Government-Funded)
•Wait for rollout in your area, DisCos handle deployment.
•No payment required at installation.
•Check for “DISREP” marking to confirm.
•Report delays or demands via your DisCo’s customer channels or NERC.
Paid Option via Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme
For those unable to wait due to timing or logistics.
• Apply through your DisCo’s office, website, approved agents, or registered MAP companies (NERC-approved).
• Pay upfront or via approved financing (costs vary; recent examples show single-phase meters around ₦100,000–₦130,000+ VAT, three-phase higher, depending on provider and DisCo, prices are periodically updated and deregulated in some cases).
• Ensure payments go to registered companies, not individuals.
• Installation typically occurs within 10 working days of payment under MAP rules.
• Refer to your DisCo’s website or NERC guidelines for detailed procedures and approved MAP lists.
The government remains committed to ending estimated billing through accelerated metering, but rollout pace varies by region and DisCo.
Consumers should stay informed via official NERC or DisCo channels and avoid unofficial agents to prevent fraud.
To identify genuine DISREP meters and avoid exploitation, consumers should look for the “DISREP” inscription (often following the DisCo’s name) on the device.
Customers are urged to report any illegal demands to NERC or their DisCo.
As DISREP progresses, more households are expected to benefit from free smart meters, enhancing transparency and service delivery in the sector.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
