The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has clarified that not all electricity meters currently being installed across the country are free, amid growing public confusion over Federal Government metering programmes and recent warnings against illegal charges by electricity distribution companies (DisCos).

Speaking during a radio programme on Fresh FM on Saturday, NERC Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, explained that meters provided under government-funded initiatives are free at the point of installation, while customers who cannot wait for deployment may still obtain meters through approved paid options.

Oseni said meters supplied under the World Bank–backed Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) are fully funded by the Federal Government and must be provided to customers at no cost. He stressed that DisCos are prohibited from collecting any payment from customers for meters deployed under the scheme.

“The meter provided by the government is 100 per cent free. The DISREP meter is free because it is paid for by the government. Through the tariff, DisCos are not going to charge customers because of the meter. They are to provide it free of charge,” he said.

According to him, although DisCos are expected to repay the government loans used to procure the meters at minimal interest rates, the repayment structure does not involve upfront payments by consumers.

He cautioned electricity users to remain vigilant and report any illegal demands for payment, noting that genuine free meters can be identified by the “DISREP” inscription following the name of the relevant DisCo.

Oseni added that the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme remains available for customers who may be unable to wait for the rollout of free meters due to timing or logistical challenges. He advised customers opting for that route to ensure payments are made only to registered MAP companies and not to individuals.

“There is still the Meter Asset Provider option. Those residing in areas where it will take time before free installation gets to them can decide to pay for a MAP meter,” he said.

The NERC chairman also disclosed that customers who previously paid upfront for meters under approved arrangements are entitled to refunds.

The clarification follows controversy triggered by a recent directive from the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who warned DisCos and installers against collecting any form of payment for meters procured under the DISREP initiative.

During an inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals in Apapa, Lagos, the minister said the meters must be installed free of charge for consumers, regardless of tariff band.

“It is an offence for officials of distribution companies or installers to request a dime before installation,” Adelabu said.

Despite the directive, some DisCos have expressed concerns over financial sustainability, arguing that while customers may not pay upfront, the cost of meters would still be recovered over time, posing operational and funding challenges.

Some operators, speaking anonymously, described the policy as politically driven and lacking adequate stakeholder consultation.

The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), however, clarified that electricity consumers ultimately pay for infrastructure investments through tariffs, in line with standard practice across the power sector.