The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved thirty billion Naira to fund the third phase of the Meter Acquisition Fund. This fresh injection aims to bridge the persistent metering gap for unmetered Band A and Band B electricity customers. Power distribution companies must complete all installations under this new tranche by May 31, 2027.
Order number NERC/2026/121 took effect on November 2, mandating transparent procurement processes across all eleven distribution networks. Regulators restricted eligible suppliers to certified local meter manufacturers and asset providers with verified stock. Pricing caps rely strictly on median national bids gathered from the September market cycle.
Selected vendors receive seventy percent upon delivery and the remaining balance after verified installation. Distribution firms must provide every unit completely free of charge to the end user. Each device must carry clear markings indicating it belongs to the acquisition scheme and remains strictly not for sale.
The regulator aims to curb massive revenue leakages plaguing the power sector for decades. Distribution companies often complain about commercial losses driven by energy theft and estimated billing. Closing the metering gap remains vital for restoring financial viability to the grid.
Consumer advocacy groups have long criticised the slow pace of meter deployment across urban networks. Households paying premium rates for elevated service hours frequently find themselves trapped on arbitrary billing estimates. This intervention forces utilities to prioritise paying customers who demand transparent billing accountability.
Strict penalties await any distribution firm whose administrative failure obstructs timely rollout targets. Regulators demand complete contract transparency and routine progress reports from all participating industry stakeholders. Success depends entirely on whether the distribution companies obey these stringent execution timelines.