NERC directs DisCos to publish meter purchase refunds to consumers under MAP scheme

*The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission directs all electricity Distribution Companies to publish details of refunds to power consumers, who have purchased electricity meters under the Meter Asset Providers initiative, to ensure transparency, and to encourage consumers to participate in the scheme in the power ecosystem

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

For transparency of the process, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed all electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to publish details of refunds to power consumers, who have purchased electricity meters under the Meter Asset Providers (MAP) initiative in the country.

ConsumerConnect reports NERC issued the directive to the service providers Monday, February 25, 2025, after its first Nigerian Electricity Industry Stakeholders (NEIS) meeting 2025.

The regulator, in the meeting, disclosed that it discussed topics covering “tariff methodology and impact of the state transition, NESI liquidity, financial evaluation of the market and the transition to a multi-tier electricity market with regards to the SERCs among others.”

The industry regulator’s MAP framework entails the provision and maintenance of end-use meters as a service by third-party investors, based on which consumers benefitting from such meters pay metering service charges.

The Commission, in 2023, had directed the 11 DisCos to reimburse consumers, who paid for the acquisition of meters under the MAP framework.

The NERC order, which took effect on April 1, 2023, stated that “Section 8 (f) of the Regulations provides that distribution licensees are obligated to reimburse customers who pay for meters under the MAP framework through equal instalments of energy credits, at the time of vending, with the cost of the meter amortised over a maximum period of 36 months.

“Section 24 (1) (b) of the regulations provides that where a customer elects to make upfront payments for meters under these regulations, the cost of the meter shall be refunded through energy credits by the distribution licensee.”

NERC also stated: “The reimbursement schedule shall be as approved by the Commission, having regard to an evaluation of the financial standing of the distribution licensee.”

Consumers’ complaints about reimbursement by DisCos

Despite the NERC order 2023, the Commission said electricity consumers had complained that DisCos have not been consistent in making reimbursements to affected end-users in Nigeria.

NERC, in its directive via its verified social media account Monday, therefore, directed the power providers to publish details of the refunds made public in order to boost transparency, and encourage customers to take part in the scheme in the electricity ecosystem.

The Commission further stated: “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.”

As part of reforms in the power sector of the economy, NERC October 2024, as well directed DisCos to replace certain brands of phased-out meters for electricity consumers.

The Commission equally emphasised that it is the responsibility of the DisCos to replace customers’ meters free of charge, if the devices are obsolete or faulty.

NERC also urged electricity consumers to report DisCos requesting payment for prepayment meters.