The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a revised regulatory order directing the full automation of meter cost reimbursements for customers who acquired prepaid meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme.
The new directive, Order No. NERC/2026/025, which took effect on March 1, 2026, updates the 2023 reimbursement guidelines and aims to strengthen compliance, enhance transparency, and address growing complaints over delayed repayments. The Commission also instructed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to accelerate the recovery of outstanding reimbursement obligations estimated at N20.33 billion within 12 months.
NERC said the order was issued pursuant to Section 226 of the Electricity Act, which authorises the Commission to enact regulations necessary for implementing sector frameworks, including the Meter Asset Provider and National Mass Metering Regulations 2021.
A regulatory review conducted in February 2026 revealed that DisCos had yet to clear N20.33 billion in outstanding reimbursements as of December 31, 2025. The Commission noted persistent implementation lapses and rising customer dissatisfaction, with numerous complaints submitted over delays in processing refunds.
To resolve the issue, NERC introduced a fully automated reimbursement system designed to eliminate manual bottlenecks and improve accountability in the metering value chain.
Under the new framework, the full cost of a MAP meter must be credited to a customer’s account immediately upon activation. The amount will then be refunded automatically through monthly credits over the approved amortisation period.
The Commission further barred DisCos from applying meter reimbursement credits toward settling customers’ pre-existing debts, reinforcing the directive’s consumer protection focus.
