The cost of electricity meters in Nigeria has increased, with single-phase meters now priced between N130,000 to N139,000, and three-phase meters between N219,000 to N229,000. This is the second price hike approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) this year. Consumers are lamenting the high cost, especially those who have yet to be metered and are receiving estimated bills from their Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).
The price increase has sparked concerns among consumers, who are already struggling with high estimated bills. Some consumers have reported receiving bills as high as N700,000, despite not having a meter. The DisCos claim that the bills are based on cumulative usage, but consumers argue that the bills are arbitrary and unpayable.
The Federal Government had approved N21 billion for the Presidential Metering Initiative to provide free meters to unmetered customers. However, consumers are questioning how the funds were spent, as many are still without meters. NERC has stated that customers who paid for meters should receive a refund through energy credit, but many consumers have yet to receive this refund.
The metering gap in Nigeria remains high, with over seven million customers still without meters. Consumers are calling for transparency and accountability in the metering process, as well as a review of the estimated billing system. The DisCos claim that they no longer have control over meter sales, and that customers deal directly with meter asset providers. However, consumers are still facing challenges in accessing meters and receiving accurate bills.
