The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to repair or replace faulty electricity meters within 48 hours of receiving a customer’s complaint.
The directive was contained in a metering factsheet published by the commission on October 13, 2026, outlining electricity consumers’ rights and the obligations of distribution companies regarding metering, billing and disconnection.
NERC also warned distribution companies against charging reconnection fees to customers who are disconnected from electricity supply without following the prescribed procedures.
The commission stated that customers who are wrongfully disconnected are entitled to energy credits calculated based on their average daily electricity consumption over the preceding three months for every day they remain disconnected.
On meter installation, NERC explained that customers who pay upfront for meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme must have their meters installed within 10 days of completing payment.
It further clarified that meters provided under the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) and the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) must be installed at no cost to customers.
The commission also stated that customers who purchase meters under the MAP scheme are entitled to reimbursement through monthly energy credits spread over 120 months, adding that the credits cannot be used to offset existing debts.
For complaints relating to electricity services, consumers are advised to first contact the customer complaints unit of their respective distribution companies and ensure that their complaints are acknowledged.
Where a complaint remains unresolved after 15 days, customers may escalate the matter to the nearest NERC Forum Office. Those dissatisfied with the forum’s decision may subsequently appeal to the commission’s headquarters.
However, customers in states that have transitioned to state-level electricity regulation are expected to follow the relevant complaint-resolution process through their respective State Electricity Regulatory Commissions.
The measures form part of NERC’s efforts to improve consumer awareness and strengthen compliance with regulations governing Nigeria’s electricity supply industry.
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