NERC’s ₦30bn Free Prepaid Meter Plan: What Band A, Band B Customers Should Know

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has introduced a ₦30 billion programme to provide free prepaid meters and installation to eligible unmetered Band A and Band B electricity customers. The meters will be supplied at no cost, but NERC has not opened a public registration portal or individual application process.

The scheme is the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), set up under NERC Order No. NERC/2026/121, which took effect on November 2, 2026. It will run through Nigeria’s 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos), which will handle meter procurement, allocation and installation.

Who qualifies and how it works

DisCos must prioritise installation for all remaining unmetered Band A customers. Band B customers are also eligible, and the companies have been told to accelerate installations in that category. But the order does not guarantee immediate metering for every Band B customer.

NERC directed the DisCos to ensure fair distribution across the states within their operational territories. Customers can contact their respective DisCos for information on installation schedules and eligibility. They should not register through unofficial channels or pay for meters supplied under the programme.

Every meter must carry the distribution company’s name, the relevant funding tranche and the inscription "NOT FOR SALE" to prevent unauthorised sales.

Deadline and procurement rules

DisCos have until May 31, 2027, to complete installations under the third tranche. Actual installation dates will depend on how quickly each distribution company implements the programme.

The companies must procure meters through eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified stocks. NERC will monitor implementation through reports submitted by participating companies, meter providers and the Fund Manager.

NERC also directed DisCos to bear additional expenses from relocating customers’ connection points for revenue protection purposes.

What it means for consumers

The programme gives unmetered consumers another chance to move away from estimated billing. The timeline, however, rests with the individual DisCos.

Separately, the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) is scheduled to begin distributing meters in 2027, starting with 750,000 meters, despite the release of ₦700 billion for the programme. That extends the wait for electricity consumers still struggling with estimated bills.