700,000 Electricity Meters Available for Nationwide Deployment, Says NERC

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced that between 600,000 and 700,000 electricity meters are currently available for nationwide distribution, signaling a significant step towards improving metering coverage across the country.

The announcement was made by Musiliu Oseni, Vice Chairman of NERC, during the 4th stakeholders meeting of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) in Abuja. According to Oseni, the meters have already been procured and are ready for deployment to electricity consumers, with distribution companies (DisCos) urged to ensure swift and effective installation. NERC emphasized that while the availability of meters is crucial, their impact depends on the prompt action of DisCos in installing them and raising public awareness among consumers. “Having meters in stock is not enough; timely distribution and installation are key to achieving the objectives of accurate billing and improved electricity service,” Oseni said The move comes amid ongoing efforts to bridge Nigeria’s metering gap. As of August 2025, approximately 6.58 million customers were metered, representing just over 55% of active electricity customers. Millions of Nigerians remain without meters, and the latest batch is expected to help reduce reliance on estimated billing, enhancing transparency and accountability. Through the rollout of prepaid meters, NERC aims to ensure that consumers are billed based on actual electricity usage, reduce billing disputes, and improve overall service delivery. The regulator continues to encourage all DisCos to accelerate meter installations and keep customers informed about the ongoing program. With this initiative, NERC underscores its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s electricity sector, promoting fair billing practices, and improving the daily lives of electricity consumers nationwide.