The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to publicly disclose refunds made to customers who purchased meters under the Meter Asset Providers (MAP) scheme.
The directive, announced via NERC’s social media handles, follows the commission’s first Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry Stakeholders (NEIS) meeting of 2025. It aims to boost transparency and ensure DisCos comply with the refund policy.
Under the MAP framework, third-party investors supply and maintain prepaid meters for electricity consumers, who in turn pay metering service charges. In April 2023, NERC mandated DisCos to reimburse customers who had paid for meters through energy credits, amortised over a maximum of 36 months. However, complaints from consumers about inconsistent refunds prompted the latest directive.
“NERC has directed DisCos to publish details of MAP refunds on their websites for transparency. This will demonstrate commitment and consistency to the scheme and encourage customers,” the commission stated.
At the NEIS meeting, discussions also covered tariff methodology, market liquidity, and the transition to a multi-tier electricity market.
In a separate directive issued on October 18, 2024, NERC ordered DisCos to replace phased-out meters free of charge if they are obsolete or faulty. The agency also urged customers to report any DisCo demanding payment for prepaid meter replacements.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting electricity consumers and ensuring accountability within the power sector.
