NERC Orders DisCos to Publicly Disclose Meter Refunds, Pushes for Transparency
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a directive mandating all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to publish details of refunds made to customers who purchased meters under the Meter Asset Providers (MAP) scheme.
The directive, announced on Monday via NERC’s official social media channels, follows discussions from the first Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry Stakeholders (NEIS) meeting in 2025.
The MAP framework allows third-party investors to provide and maintain electricity meters for consumers, who in turn pay metering service charges. However, in 2023, NERC ordered DisCos to reimburse customers who had paid upfront for meters under this arrangement.
The regulation, effective April 1, 2023, specifies that customers must be reimbursed through energy credits over a maximum period of 36 months. According to Section 24 (1) (b) of the regulation, when a customer opts for an upfront payment, DisCos are obligated to refund the cost via energy credits, following an approved reimbursement schedule.
Despite these clear guidelines, many customers have raised concerns that DisCos are not consistently honouring their refund commitments.
In response to consumer complaints, NERC has now directed all DisCos to publicly disclose details of refunds on their websites. The move aims to enhance transparency, reinforce trust in the system, and encourage more customers to participate in the MAP scheme.
“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,” the commission stated.
Beyond refund transparency, the NEIS meeting also covered key industry issues, including tariff methodology, liquidity in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), financial market evaluations, and the transition to a multi-tier electricity market.
NERC also reiterated its stance on meter replacements, emphasizing that electricity distribution companies are responsible for replacing phased-out or faulty meters at no cost to customers. This follows an October 18, 2024, directive ordering DisCos to replace outdated meters.
The commission further urged Nigerians to report any DisCos demanding payment for prepaid meter replacements, reinforcing its commitment to consumer rights and fair electricity distribution.
