Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved N30bn for the third phase of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) to accelerate the installation of electricity meters for unmetered Band A customers and expand coverage among Band B consumers.
The commission has also directed electricity distribution companies to complete all meter installations under the programme by 31 May, 2027, warning that customers must not be charged for meters provided through the initiative.
The regulator disclosed this in Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the operationalisation of Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund, effective 2 November, 2026. It announced the order in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday.
The post read: “The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC or the Commission) hereby informs electricity consumers and stakeholders of the issuance of Order No. NERC/2026/121 on the Operationalisation of Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund, effective 2 November 2026.
“The Commission has approved N30 billion for Tranche C, to be allocated among the eleven Distribution Companies (DisCos) in proportion to their respective contributions to the Fund. The funding is intended to meter all remaining unmetered Band A customers and accelerate the metering of Band B customers, with equitable distribution across states within the respective DisCo franchise areas.
“The Commission reiterates that all meters supplied and installed under the MAF programme shall be provided FREE OF CHARGE to customers. Every meter must prominently display the relevant DisCo’s name, the applicable MAF tranche and the inscription “NOT FOR SALE.
“Where a DisCo initiates the relocation of an existing customer’s connection point for revenue protection purposes, the cost shall be borne by the DisCo. The Order also provides sanctions where DisCo defaults impede meter installation.”
The regulator reiterated that all meters supplied and installed under the fund must be provided free of charge to electricity consumers, warning against attempts by distribution companies or their agents to sell them.
It further directed that every meter supplied under the programme must prominently display the name of the relevant distribution company, the applicable tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) and the inscription, “NOT FOR SALE”.
The commission also introduced a two-stage payment arrangement to strengthen accountability and ensure that providers deliver the meters before receiving full payment.