Regulator says millions of customers remain exposed to estimated billing as DisCos struggle to close the nation’s metering gap.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has disclosed that no fewer than 5.36 million electricity consumers across the country are still without prepaid meters, leaving them vulnerable to estimated billing and persistent disputes with electricity distribution companies (DisCos). The revelation has renewed concerns over consumer protection and transparency within Nigeria’s power sector.
In its latest industry data, NERC noted that despite ongoing metering initiatives and regulatory interventions, a significant portion of electricity customers remain unmetered, forcing them to rely on estimated bills that many consumers have repeatedly described as arbitrary and excessive. The commission acknowledged that the situation continues to undermine public confidence in the electricity supply system.
According to NERC, the metering shortfall persists even with the implementation of various programs such as the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme and the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP), which were designed to accelerate meter deployment nationwide. While millions of meters have been installed under these initiatives, the pace of deployment has not been sufficient to eliminate the metering gap.
The regulatory body emphasized that estimated billing contradicts its long-standing directive that electricity consumers should only be charged based on actual consumption. NERC warned that unmetered customers are often subjected to inflated charges, leading to widespread complaints, legal disputes, and growing dissatisfaction with DisCos.
NERC further stated that it is intensifying monitoring and enforcement actions against defaulting DisCos, including the imposition of fines and directives to fast-track meter installations. The commission reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in electricity billing.
Electricity consumers and advocacy groups have continued to call on the Federal Government and power sector operators to treat metering as a national priority, arguing that universal metering is critical to improving revenue collection, reducing energy theft, and restoring trust between DisCos and customers.
As Nigeria grapples with broader power sector reforms, NERC maintained that closing the metering gap remains central to achieving a sustainable electricity market. The commission urged DisCos to step up investments in metering infrastructure, stressing that accurate billing is essential for both consumer confidence and the long-term viability of the power sector.
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