NERC Orders DisCos To Pay N20.33bn Meter Refunds To Customers

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to refund N20.33 billion in outstanding meter reimbursements to customers under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework, starting March 1, 2026.

The directive, outlined in Order No. NERC/2026/025 and signed on February 27, 2026, by NERC chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner Dafe Akpeneye, requires full recovery and payment over 12 months.
It amends a 2023 order amid slow refunds, with DisCos owing the amount as of December 31, 2025.

Under the MAP scheme, customers pay upfront for meters and receive refunds via energy credits from DisCos.

A February 2026 NERC review exposed the massive backlog. “DisCos have an outstanding amount of N20.33 billion to reimburse customers for meters procured under the MAP framework as at 31 December 2025,” the order stated.

To accelerate payments and boost sector trust, reimbursements must now be fully automated.

“DisCos shall ensure that the total cost of a MAP meter is recognised as credit on the customer’s account upon activation… and disbursed automatically as monthly credits over the approved amortisation period,” it directed.

Key rules include:No offsetting credits against customer legacy debts; they must be treated separately.

Prepaid customers receive monthly tokens (two per month during the 12-month arrears recovery) by the 4th of each month, based on prevailing tariffs over a 120-month period.

Postpaid customers see distinct credit line items (doubled during recovery) on bills.DisCos must submit monthly reports on reimbursements using NERC’s template and set up dedicated email channels for complaints, including resolution status.

The order aims to end chronic delays, improve customer notifications, and enhance credibility in Nigeria’s power sector.