Good news has arrived for Nigerians who are still without electricity meters.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved N30 billion for the provision of free electricity meters. This is not a loan and it is not a promise. It is real funding that has been released to Distribution Companies (DisCos) to purchase meters and distribute them to customers for free.
If you have been suffering from estimated billing every month, this is your opportunity to end it.
What Happened?
NERC approved N30 billion under Tranche C of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF).
The Meter Acquisition Fund is a fund created from contributions by electricity customers to provide meters for unmetered customers. NERC has now released this tranche to DisCos to procure meters immediately.
The instruction is clear: No customer should pay for the meter or for installation.
Who Will Get The Free Meter?
Two groups of customers will benefit first:
*1. Band A Customers*
If you are a Band A customer and you do not have a meter, you are first on the list. NERC wants all Band A customers to be metered first.
*2. Band B Customers*
After Band A customers have been covered, Band B customers will follow. If you are a Band B customer without a meter, you will also get one.
If you are in Band C, D or E, do not lose hope. This is only Tranche C. More tranches are expected, but for now, Band A and B are the priority.
How Will The N30bn Be Shared?
NERC shared the money among all the DisCos based on the number of unmetered customers in their network.
Some of the major allocations include:
*Ikeja Electric - N6.85bn*
*Abuja Electric (AEDC) - N5.33bn*
*Eko Electric - N4.79bn*
*Ibadan Electric - N4.22bn*
Other DisCos such as Enugu, Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Benin and Yola will also receive their own share to buy meters for their customers.
What Is The Deadline?
NERC has given DisCos a deadline.
All meters under this Tranche C must be installed before *31st May 2027.*
If your DisCo delays you, the fault is theirs, not yours. NERC has warned them not to divert the funds for any other purpose.
How To Collect Your Free Meter
Follow these steps:
*1. Confirm Your Band*
Check your last electricity bill or confirm with your DisCo. If you are a Band A or B customer without a meter, you qualify.
*2. Visit Your DisCo Office Or Website*
Visit your DisCo office, or check their website and customer care channels. Inform them that you are an unmetered Band A or B customer and you want to be captured for the MAF free meter programme.
*3. Ensure Your Details Are Correct*
Make sure your name, address, account number and phone number are correct in their system. This is what they will use to schedule your installation.
*4. Do Not Pay Anyone*
Do not pay anyone. The meter is FREE. Installation is FREE. If anyone asks you for money for this meter, it is a scam. Report the person to your DisCo immediately.
*5. Wait For Installation*
Once you have been captured, they will come to your house to install the meter. Make sure you are available when they come.
What Does This Mean For You?
This means estimated billing will soon end for many people.
No more N20,000 or N30,000 bill for electricity you did not use. You will pay only for what you actually consume. That is the real benefit of having a meter.
Final Advice
Do not sit at home waiting for them to come to you. Visit your DisCo office now, ask questions, and make sure you are captured.
Share this article with your neighbours who do not have a meter. Many people do not know that free meters are available, and some dishonest people may use the opportunity to collect money from them.
This is your right. Go and collect it.
Have you received your free meter before? Drop your DisCo in the comment section and let us know how it is going in your area.
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