Nearly 188,000 Power Consumers Receive Meters Nationwide Within Two-Month Period

No fewer than 187,765 electricity customers across Nigeria were metered within a two-month period, reflecting ongoing efforts by power sector operators and regulators to improve billing transparency and reduce estimated charges in the electricity market. Recent reports by Punch News and other Nigerian news outlets indicate that the metering progress was recorded between September and October, under various metering schemes coordinated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

According to the regulator, the increase in the number of metered customers was driven largely by the Meter Asset Provider scheme and other targeted initiatives designed to close Nigeria’s longstanding metering gap. NERC noted that the newly installed meters cut across customers of different electricity distribution companies, with significant installations recorded in both urban and semi-urban areas. The development forms part of broader reforms aimed at improving consumer confidence in the power sector.

Reports indicate that despite the progress, millions of electricity users across the country remain unmetered, leaving them vulnerable to estimated billing practices. NERC acknowledged this challenge but stressed that the recent metering figures demonstrate growing momentum in efforts to ensure fair and accurate billing. The commission reiterated its commitment to enforcing regulations that protect consumers from exploitative billing methods while encouraging distribution companies to accelerate meter deployment.

Industry data shows that electricity distribution companies intensified meter installations during the period under review, supported by improved access to meters and financing structures under existing regulatory frameworks. Analysts said the increase in metering reflects renewed collaboration between Discos, meter providers, and regulators following persistent public complaints about arbitrary billing and service inefficiencies.

NERC explained that accurate metering is essential for stabilising the power sector, as it allows utilities to bill customers based on actual consumption, improves revenue collection, and enhances planning for electricity generation and distribution. The commission noted that metered customers are more likely to pay their bills promptly, reducing commercial losses and supporting the financial sustainability of the sector.

Reports further revealed that metering progress varied across the country, with some distribution companies recording higher installation rates than others. Stakeholders attributed the disparity to differences in operational capacity, access to meters, and network conditions. NERC said it continues to monitor the performance of Discos and apply regulatory sanctions where necessary to ensure compliance with metering targets.

Consumer advocacy groups welcomed the increase in metering but called for faster implementation to address the large number of households still without meters. They argued that estimated billing remains one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria’s power sector, often leading to disputes between customers and electricity providers. The groups urged NERC to sustain pressure on Discos to meet set timelines for universal metering.

The commission also highlighted the role of the National Mass Metering Programme, which has contributed to the gradual reduction of the metering gap. Under the programme, meters are deployed to customers at no upfront cost, with repayment embedded in electricity tariffs over time. NERC noted that the scheme has helped ease the financial burden on consumers while encouraging wider adoption of prepaid meters.

Power sector analysts observed that while the installation of nearly 188,000 meters in two months is a positive development, it represents only a fraction of the estimated metering deficit nationwide. They stressed the need for sustained investment, local meter manufacturing, and improved supply chains to accelerate deployment. Analysts also emphasised that resolving metering challenges is critical to restoring public trust in the electricity industry.

NERC reiterated that it will continue to prioritise metering as a key reform objective, describing it as foundational to achieving transparency and efficiency in the power market. The commission added that it is working with stakeholders to address bottlenecks such as funding constraints, logistics issues, and technical challenges that slow down meter rollout.

Reports noted that the regulator has also stepped up enforcement against estimated billing abuses, including the imposition of penalties on distribution companies that fail to comply with metering regulations. NERC maintained that customers who are unmetered through no fault of their own should not be subjected to arbitrary charges, and it encouraged affected consumers to report violations.

As Nigeria continues efforts to reform its electricity sector, the recent metering figures offer cautious optimism. Stakeholders believe that sustained regulatory oversight, improved funding mechanisms, and greater accountability among distribution companies will be crucial to achieving universal metering in the coming years.

The commission concluded that while challenges remain, the metering of 187,765 customers within two months reflects steady progress toward a more transparent and consumer-friendly electricity market. NERC said it remains committed to scaling up efforts to ensure that every electricity customer in Nigeria has access to accurate and reliable metering, a key step toward long-term stability and efficiency in the power sector.