Power Regulator Directs DisCos To Repay Prepaid Meter Buyers Under MAP Scheme
By NINI NDUONOFIT-AKOH
NERC Moves to Address Meter Refund Delays
NIGERIA’S electricity regulator, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has ordered electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to refund more than ₦20 billion owed to customers who paid for prepaid meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme.
In a directive titled “Amended Order on the Reimbursement of Meter Costs,” dated March 1, 2026, the commission instructed DisCos nationwide to reimburse affected customers within a 12-month period starting from the same date.
According to the regulator, the total outstanding amount to be refunded stands at ₦20.53 billion, representing payments made by electricity consumers who procured prepaid meters under the MAP framework but have yet to receive the promised reimbursements.
Compliance Review Reveals Huge Outstanding Debt
The commission said a compliance review conducted in February 2026 revealed that DisCos had failed to meet their obligations under the scheme.
Under the MAP framework, electricity distribution companies are required to repay customers who purchase meters themselves through energy credits applied to their electricity bills.
However, the regulator’s assessment showed that ₦20.33 billion remained unpaid as of 31 December 2025.
“The review highlighted that DisCos have an outstanding amount of ₦20.33 billion to reimburse customers for meters procured under the MAP framework,” the commission stated.
NERC said the findings were further supported by a surge in customer complaints over delays and inconsistencies in the refund process.
Accelerated Refund Plan Introduced
To address the backlog, the regulator has directed DisCos to accelerate reimbursements and settle the outstanding debt in 12 equal instalments over one year.
The deductions will be reflected as energy credits on customers’ monthly electricity bills, effectively reducing the amount consumers pay for power during the reimbursement period.
In addition, the commission instructed DisCos to establish a clear timeline and structured process for fast-tracking refunds to all eligible customers.
Measures to Improve Transparency
As part of efforts to restore consumer confidence in the power sector, NERC also mandated stricter transparency and monitoring measures.
These include automating reimbursement entries on customer accounts, submitting monthly compliance reports, and creating dedicated complaint channels for consumers who have not received their refunds.
Each distribution company must also set up a dedicated email address to handle complaints related to the MAP reimbursement programme.
The regulator said the order aims to streamline the refund process, prevent further delays, and improve accountability within the electricity distribution system.
Officials believe that enforcing the directive will help strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s electricity sector while ensuring that customers who invested in prepaid meters under the MAP scheme receive their due reimbursements.
