If you are an unmetered Band A or Band B electricity customer, you could benefit from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission's ₦30 billion plan to provide free electricity meters to consumers across the country.
Under the programme, customers will not have to pay for the meters or their installation. Electricity distribution companies, DisCos, are responsible for supplying and installing them, although NERC has not outlined a specific application or registration process for customers.
The initiative is part of the third tranche of the Meter Acquisition Fund, MAF, introduced through NERC Order No. NERC/2026/121, which took effect on November 2, 2026.
But how does the programme affect customers in the two electricity bands?
For Band A customers who do not yet have meters, the order provides for the metering of all remaining unmetered consumers in the category.
Band B customers are also included, with NERC directing distribution companies to speed up meter installations for them. However, the commission did not promise that every unmetered Band B customer would receive a meter immediately.
The responsibility for providing the meters lies with the country's 11 electricity distribution companies, which are expected to carry out transparent procurement involving eligible Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs) and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) with verified meter stocks.
NERC also directed the companies to ensure that meter distribution is fair across the states they serve.
One important detail in the order is that the commission did not introduce an individual application process, registration portal or application form for customers. Instead, the distribution companies are expected to manage the procurement and installation process.
The commission also made it clear that meters supplied under the programme must be free. Customers are not expected to pay for either the meters or their installation.
To prevent the sale of the meters, NERC directed that each unit must carry the name of the distribution company, the applicable funding tranche and the inscription "NOT FOR SALE".
NERC has given the distribution companies until May 31, 2027, to complete all installations under the third tranche.
The commission will monitor the programme through reporting and evaluation requirements involving the Fund Manager, distribution companies and participating meter providers.
The order also protects customers against additional costs when a distribution company relocates their connection points for revenue protection purposes. In such cases, the company must bear the relocation expenses.
For now, the key takeaway for unmetered Band A and B customers is that the meters are free, but installation will depend on the implementation of the programme by their respective distribution companies.
Free meters: How Band A, B customers can benefit from NERC's N30bn plan