The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has explained that electricity meters currently being rolled out across the country are not all free, following public confusion over Federal Government metering initiatives and recent warnings to electricity distribution companies (DisCos) against illegal charges.
Speaking on a radio programme on Fresh FM on Saturday, NERC Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, said meters supplied under government-funded schemes are provided at no cost to customers, but consumers who do not want to wait for deployment can still acquire meters through approved paid arrangements.
Oseni explained that meters being distributed under the World Bank–supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) are fully funded by the Federal Government and must be installed free of charge. He stressed that DisCos are not permitted to demand any payment from customers for meters provided under the scheme.
“The meter provided by the government is completely free. DISREP meters are paid for by the government, and through tariffs, DisCos are not allowed to charge customers for them. They must be installed at no cost,” he said.
He noted that although DisCos are expected to repay the government loans used to procure the meters at low interest rates, the repayment arrangement does not involve upfront charges to electricity consumers.
The NERC chairman urged customers to be cautious and report any attempts to collect illegal fees, adding that genuine free meters can be identified by the “DISREP” label attached after the name of the relevant DisCo.
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Oseni also said the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme remains an option for customers who may not want to wait for the rollout of free meters due to timing or logistical issues. He advised those choosing this option to ensure payments are made only to licensed MAP companies and not to individuals.
“There is still the Meter Asset Provider option. Customers in areas where free meters may take time can choose to pay for a MAP meter,” he said.
He further disclosed that customers who previously paid for meters under approved arrangements are entitled to refunds.
The clarification follows a recent directive by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who warned DisCos and installers against collecting any fees for meters procured under the DISREP initiative.
While inspecting newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals in Apapa, Lagos, Adelabu said all such meters must be installed free of charge for consumers, regardless of their tariff band.
“It is an offence for officials of distribution companies or installers to demand a single kobo before installing these meters,” the minister said.
Despite the directive, some DisCos have raised concerns about financial sustainability, arguing that although customers are not paying upfront, the cost of meters would eventually be recovered over time, creating operational and funding pressures.
Some operators, who spoke anonymously, described the policy as politically motivated and lacking sufficient consultation with industry stakeholders.
The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), however, clarified that electricity consumers ultimately bear the cost of infrastructure investments through tariffs, in line with standard practice in the power sector.
