NERC Directs DisCos to Refund N20bn Meter Payments

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to reimburse customers ₦20.33bn in outstanding meter refunds under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework.

The commission said the refunds must be completed within 12 months starting March 1, 2026, after reviewing compliance levels and finding that DisCos had failed to reimburse customers for meters procured under the scheme.

Under MAP, customers pay for meters upfront and are later reimbursed through energy credits. NERC noted that repayment had been slow, prompting a new order to enforce compliance and restore confidence in the sector.

Order No: NERC/2026/025, signed by Chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner Dafe Akpeneye, mandates that reimbursements be fully automated on customer accounts.

“DisCos shall ensure that the total cost of a MAP meter is recognised as credit on the customer’s account upon activation of the meter,” the order stated.

For prepaid customers, monthly tokens equivalent to reimbursement will be generated automatically, while postpaid customers will see distinct credit line items on their bills. DisCos are barred from offsetting meter credits against legacy debts.

To recover arrears, DisCos must accelerate repayment, with prepaid customers receiving two tokens per month and postpaid customers seeing two reimbursement line items until balances are cleared.

NERC also mandated monthly reporting and a dedicated complaints channel. “All DisCos shall file monthly reports… and establish a dedicated email address for complaints from customers who have not received MAP meter cost reimbursements,” the order added.

The commission said the directive is intended to prevent repeated delays, strengthen accountability, and improve credibility in Nigeria’s electricity sector.