The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has instructed all electricity distribution companies to disclose the refunds made to customers who purchased meters under the Meter Asset Providers scheme. This directive was announced on Monday through the commission’s social media platforms.
Earlier that day, the commission held the first Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry Stakeholders meeting of 2025. Under the MAP framework, third-party investors provide and maintain meters for customers, who then pay metering service charges. According to NERC regulations, customers who make upfront payments for meters must be reimbursed through energy credits, following a schedule approved by the commission based on the financial standing of the distribution companies.
However, consumer groups have raised concerns that these refunds have not been consistently processed. To ensure transparency and encourage more participation in the scheme, the regulator has directed all distribution companies to publicly disclose refund details on their websites.
With over seven million customers still without meters, the Federal Government is taking steps to close the metering gap. The Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, recently emphasized the need for widespread metering to reduce losses in the sector. She explained that ensuring registered customers have meters is a crucial short-term intervention, as it enhances revenue collection and strengthens the financial capacity of distribution companies to invest in reliability and green energy access.
During its stakeholders meeting, NERC discussed several key issues, including tariff methodology, liquidity in the electricity market, financial evaluations, and the transition to a multi-tier electricity market. The commission highlighted the importance of these quarterly meetings in addressing challenges within the sector and ensuring its continued development.
