NERC announces availability of 700,000 meters for nationwide rollout

 The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has disclosed that more than 700,000 electricity meters are now ready for distribution across the country as part of the federal government’s renewed effort to close the widening metering gap. The Commission said the latest development reflects ongoing progress under the Meter Asset Provider framework and the National Mass Metering initiatives designed to eliminate estimated billing and improve transparency in electricity consumption.

NERC emphasised that the 700,000 meters represent the first batch of a broader deployment strategy that will unfold over the coming months, targeting millions of unmetered customers across the distribution companies. The Commission noted that the availability of this volume of meters is a major step toward addressing long-standing concerns from consumers who have repeatedly complained about overbilling, arbitrary charges, and the lack of fairness in electricity invoicing.

According to officials of the Commission, the meters have already been allocated to the respective distribution companies (DisCos) based on their documented metering gaps and customer population. The companies are now expected to commence widespread distribution and installation, ensuring that customers are properly sensitised and guided through the process. NERC stressed that DisCos must adhere to regulatory timelines, installation standards, and reporting requirements to ensure that the rollout is executed transparently and efficiently.

The Commission noted that the recent availability of the new meters was made possible through improved coordination with Meter Asset Providers and local manufacturers. It stated that domestic production has expanded significantly in recent months, helping to reduce import dependence and aligns with the government’s policy to boost local manufacturing capacity. NERC further explained that increased output from local factories contributed greatly to the availability of the 700,000 units now ready for deployment.

In addressing consumer concerns, the Commission reiterated that customers are not to be charged for meters under approved free metering schemes. For customers under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework, NERC maintained that prices remain regulated, and consumers cannot be charged beyond approved rates. The agency warned DisCos and their agents against extortion, coercion, meter bypass practices, or any conduct that undermines the integrity of the metering process. According to NERC, strict sanctions will be applied against any utility or individual that violates these guidelines.

The Commission also highlighted that the meter rollout is expected to drastically reduce estimated billing, a practice that has consistently been one of the biggest sources of conflict between electricity distribution companies and their customers. NERC noted that widespread metering will not only improve customer satisfaction but will also help enhance revenue assurance for the DisCos, thereby strengthening the financial stability of the power sector. With more accurate billing, electricity providers are expected to recover more revenue and improve investments in their networks.

NERC urged customers to cooperate fully with installers and to ensure that their premises are accessible for metering. It also advised consumers to verify the identity of installers and ensure that proper documentation is completed at the point of installation. The Commission further encouraged customers to immediately report any suspected irregularities during deployment to their DisCo or the Commission’s customer support channels for prompt intervention.

Stakeholders in the sector have welcomed the development, noting that the availability of such a significant number of meters represents meaningful progress in tackling a challenge that has persisted for years. Industry experts observed that metering remains one of the most critical components of electricity sector reform, as it directly affects revenue collection, consumer satisfaction, and the overall credibility of the electricity market.

Some analysts, however, cautioned that meter availability alone will not solve all sector challenges. They argued that ensuring smooth logistics, speeding up installation, and enforcing strict penalties for violations will be essential to achieving the intended outcomes. They further stressed that coordination between NERC, DisCos, and meter providers must remain seamless throughout the rollout period.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining momentum in closing the country’s metering deficit, which currently runs into several millions. With ongoing procurement, increased local manufacturing capacity, and support from federal initiatives, NERC expressed confidence that millions more meters will be available for deployment in the coming phases.

 

As the rollout begins, NERC assured the public that it will continue to monitor implementation closely, publish progress updates, and enforce compliance with regulatory standards. The Commission said that achieving a fully metered electricity market remains a central objective of ongoing reforms, and the availability of 700,000 meters marks an important milestone in the long journey toward transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery in the nation’s power sector.