The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to refund a cumulative ₦20.33 billion owed to customers for metres acquired under the Metre Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, in a sweeping move aimed at restoring confidence and enforcing compliance across the power sector.
The directive, contained in Order No: NERC/2026/025, amends an earlier 2023 order and mandates DisCos to complete the reimbursement process within a 12-month window commencing March 1, 2026.
The order was endorsed by NERC Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, and Commissioner for Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, on February 27, 2026.
Under the MAP framework, customers bear the upfront cost of procuring electricity meters, with DisCos obligated to reimburse them through energy credits distributed over an approved amortisation period, typically spanning 120 months. However, NERC’s compliance review in February 2026 revealed persistent delays in the refund process.
As of December 31, 2025, outstanding reimbursements totalled ₦20.33 billion, reflecting widespread non-compliance by several distribution companies. The commission’s new order seeks to fast-track repayment and prevent further accumulation of arrears.
“To recover the sum of ₦20.33bn that was not reimbursed to customers as at 31 December 2025, DisCos shall accelerate the rate of recovery for the affected customers over 12 months commencing from 1 March 2026,” the order stated.
During the accelerated repayment period, prepaid customers will receive two reimbursement tokens monthly, while postpaid customers will see two separate credit entries on their bills.
A key feature of the revised directive is the full automation of meter cost reimbursements. DisCos are now required to credit the total cost of a MAP metre to a customer’s account immediately upon metre activation, with automatic monthly disbursements over the approved amortisation period.
For prepaid customers, billing systems must generate reimbursement tokens no later than the fourth day of each month, reflecting the energy value equivalent of the monthly refund at prevailing tariffs. Postpaid customers, on the other hand, must see the reimbursement clearly itemised as a distinct credit line deducted from their total monthly payable amount.
The commission also expressly prohibited DisCos from offsetting metre reimbursement credits against customers’ outstanding legacy debts, underscoring that both obligations must be treated independently.
To ensure strict adherence, NERC has mandated all DisCos to file monthly compliance reports detailing the total value of reimbursements issued via energy credits, following a commission-approved reporting template.
In addition, each distribution company must establish a dedicated email channel to receive complaints from customers who have not received their due reimbursements. The volume and resolution status of such complaints must be incorporated into the monthly compliance filings.
The regulator said the enhanced enforcement framework is designed to eliminate recurring delays, improve transparency in customer communications, and reinforce accountability within the electricity market.
