The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to refund a total of N20.33 billion to customers who paid for meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme but have yet to be fully reimbursed.
In a new directive titled Order No: NERC/2026/025, the regulator said the outstanding amount must be fully repaid within 12 months starting March 1, 2026.
Under the MAP framework, customers pay upfront for electricity meters with the understanding that DisCos will gradually refund the cost through energy credits.
However, NERC’s review in February 2026 showed that as of December 31, 2025, DisCos still owed customers N20.33bn in unreimbursed meter payments.
“The review highlighted that DisCos have an outstanding amount of N20.33bn to reimburse customers for meters procured under the MAP framework as at 31 December 2025,” the commission stated.
The order was signed on February 27, 2026, by NERC Chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner for Legal, Licensing & Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye.
To prevent further delays, NERC introduced stricter and automated reimbursement measures whereby DisCos must recognize the full meter cost as a credit immediately after meter activation. Refunds will then be paid automatically in monthly instalments over the approved 120-month amortisation period.
“DisCos shall ensure that the total cost of a MAP meter is recognised as credit on the customer’s account upon activation of the meter and disbursed automatically as monthly credits.”
The regulator clearly prohibited DisCos from using meter refunds to settle customers’ previous debts.
“DisCos shall not offset meter reimbursement credits against customer legacy debts; the items must be treated separately.”
By the 4th day of every month, prepaid customers must receive an energy token equivalent to their monthly reimbursement.
The energy value will be calculated based on the prevailing tariff.
To clear the N20.33bn backlog, affected prepaid customers will receive two reimbursement tokens monthly for one year.
Refunds must appear as a separate credit line item on monthly bills.
For backlog recovery, postpaid customers will see two credit entries per month over the 12-month accelerated repayment period.
Oversight and Compliance
NERC is tightening supervision across the electricity distribution sector. DisCos are now required to submit monthly compliance reports detailing total reimbursements.
Create dedicated email addresses for customer complaints and include complaint resolution status in their monthly reports to the Commission.
From March 2026, customers who paid for meters under the MAP scheme should begin receiving faster and more transparent reimbursements.
The directive is aimed at: ending prolonged refund delays
Improving transparency in billing and restoring public confidence in the power sector
With the new order in effect, attention now shifts to how strictly DisCos comply with the accelerated repayment schedule and whether affected customers receive their full entitlements within the one-year deadline.
