NERC explains which electricity meters are free and which are not
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has clarified that not all electricity meters being installed are free. Musiliu Oseni, NERC Chairman, explained that meters under government-funded programmes are free at installation, but other options require payment. He emphasized that electricity distribution companies must not charge for meters provided through the government initiative. Customers still have the option to pay for meters if they do not want to wait for the free rollout.
TLDR
- Musiliu Oseni stated that meters provided under the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) are free because they are funded by the government.
- Customers who do not want to wait for free meters can pay for a meter through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme.
- Distribution companies are not allowed to collect money from customers for DISREP meters, and any such demand is illegal.
- The cost of meters is recovered through electricity tariffs, not upfront payments, according to the Bureau of Public Enterprises.
- Customers who paid upfront for meters under approved schemes are entitled to refunds, while those receiving free meters pay through tariffs.
