The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has clarified that electricity meters being installed nationwide are not all free, amid rising confusion over the Federal Government’s metering programmes and recent warnings against illegal charges by electricity distribution companies.

Speaking on Saturday during a radio interview with Adeola Samuel-Ilori on Fresh FM, NERC Chairman Musiliu Oseni explained that meters supplied under government-funded schemes are provided free at the point of installation, while alternative paid options remain available for customers who cannot or do not wish to wait.

Oseni said meters supplied under the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme are fully funded by the Federal Government and must be provided to customers at no cost. However, he noted that customers who consider the deployment process too slow have the option of purchasing meters under the Meter Asset Provider scheme.

“The meter provided by the government is 100 per cent free. The DISREP meter is free because it is paid for by the government.

“The DisCos have been rolling it out. Of course, they will pay the money back, but the loan comes at a very minimal interest rate. So, through the tariff, DisCos are not going to charge customers because of the meter. They are to provide it free of charge to the customers, and that is what the minister and the DG of BPE actually meant. And it is 100 per cent free,” Oseni said.

He emphasised that electricity distribution companies are not allowed to charge customers for meters supplied under the programme, adding that the cost recovery arrangement excludes any upfront payment.

“If you get the free meter, you are not to be paid anything. Ideally, you are meant to pay for the cost of the meter given to you through the tariffs. So, no DisCo is allowed to collect money from customers because of a DISREP meter,” he stated.

Oseni noted, however, that the Meter Asset Provider scheme is still available for customers who are unable to wait for the deployment of free meters because of timing or logistical challenges.

“There is still the Meter Asset Provider. Those residing in an area where it will take time before the free installation gets to them, and they cannot wait, can decide to pay for a Meter Asset Provider. But they must ensure that they pay into a company, not an individual,” he added.

The chairman urged consumers to remain vigilant, noting that free meters are clearly identifiable. He explained that customers can verify whether a meter is meant to be free by checking the inscription, adding that DISREP meters carry a “DISREP” marking after the name of the distribution company.

Oseni also said the commission introduced several initiatives to close Nigeria’s metering gap after finding that electricity distribution companies were struggling to secure financing.

Recall that the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently said that meters were procured under the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme and must be installed for consumers free of charge, regardless of tariff band.

He made this disclosure during an on-site inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos, recently.