The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a firm directive requiring all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to refund a total of ₦20.33 billion in outstanding meter costs to customers who procured meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework.
The order, contained in Order No: NERC/2026/025 titled ‘Amended order on the reimbursement of meter costs’, was signed by NERC Chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner for Legal, Licensing & Compliance Dafe Akpeneye on February 27, 2026, and takes effect from March 1, 2026. It amends the previous 2023 directive on meter cost reimbursements.
According to NERC, a review conducted in February 2026 revealed significant non-compliance by DisCos, with an accumulated outstanding balance of ₦20.33 billion as of December 31, 2025. This backlog stems from delays and deficiencies in reimbursing customers who paid upfront for meters under the MAP scheme, often prompted by persistent customer complaints.
Under the MAP framework, customers who purchase meters through approved providers are entitled to reimbursement by their DisCo through equal installments of energy credits deducted from their monthly electricity bills (vending credits).
The new amended order accelerates this process by mandating that DisCos amortize the entire under-reimbursement in 12 equal monthly installments, starting immediately, with full disbursement to affected customers completed within 12 months from March 1, 2026.
Key provisions of the order include:
Full automation of reimbursements directly on customers' accounts to ensure seamless credits.
Prohibition on DisCos offsetting these credits against customers' legacy debts.
Establishment of a dedicated email address or complaints channel by each DisCo for affected customers to report issues.
Mandatory monthly reporting to NERC detailing the total value of reimbursements processed, using an approved template.
The commission emphasized that these measures aim to streamline the reimbursement process, enhance transparency, prevent further delays, and restore customer confidence in the electricity sector.
The directive applies to all licensed DisCos nationwide.
No specific breakdown per DisCo was provided in the order, but the total figure reflects the aggregate nationwide obligation.
This development comes amid ongoing efforts to improve metering coverage and address consumer grievances in Nigeria's power sector, where slow or incomplete refunds have been a recurring issue under the MAP program.
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