Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: metering gap

  • Power distributors begin rollout of 700,000 ‘free’ prepaid meters under regulator pressure

    Power distributors begin rollout of 700,000 ‘free’ prepaid meters under regulator pressure

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    Punch reports that electricity distribution companies have commenced rollout plans for about 700,000 prepaid meters, amid intensified pressure from the regulator to close Nigeria’s metering gap and reduce estimated billing.

    Related coverage flags a major operational wrinkle: STS token migration, with many existing meters still needing upgrades to remain compatible, which could complicate customer experience even as new units are deployed.

    The programme’s credibility will be judged on installations completed, activation speed, and how quickly customer disputes over billing reduce in real terms.

    TheCable quotes NERC’s Musiliu Oseni warning, “If your network is not ready to accept the new meters, don’t bring them,” while ThisDay notes “over 350,000 meters are yet to be migrated to the new Standard Transfer Specification (STS).”

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s metering fight is now about execution—warehouse to wall. Watch who gets first (Band A vs others), how fast meters are activated, and whether dispute resolution is responsive when timelines slip.

    Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/regulator-pressure-discos-roll-out-700000-free-meters/)
    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • DisCos added 187,765 meters in two months as national metering rate inches up

    DisCos added 187,765 meters in two months as national metering rate inches up

    Photo: Disco image – ThisDay

    According to The Punch, electricity distribution companies installed meters for 187,765 customers in September and October 2025, as reported by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    The report indicated 80,943 customers were metered in September and 106,822 in October, nudging the national metering rate upward from 55.37% to 56.07% and slightly expanding the total metered customer base.

    The Guardian also cited the NERC metering factsheet and highlighted the month-to-month improvement, while pointing out that the overall metering gap remains substantial despite incremental progress.

    Vanguard similarly reported the figures and reiterated NERC’s framing that the factsheet is meant to track DisCo progress in closing Nigeria’s long-running metering deficit.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s metering story is now about pace and fairness. The monthly gains are positive, but too slow relative to demand growth and consumer distrust of estimated billing. Watch for: (1) how quickly DisCos meter high-complaint feeders, (2) the availability and financing of meters under MAP/National Mass Metering efforts, and (3) whether dispute resolution improves as metering expands.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/187765-electricity-customers-metered-in-two-months-nerc/)