The has ordered electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to refund a total of ₦20.33 billion to customers who paid for prepaid meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme.
According to the commission, the refunds will be fully recovered and disbursed to affected customers over a 12-month period starting from March 1, 2026.
NERC said the decision followed a review of DisCos’ compliance with the MAP reimbursement framework, which showed that refunds to customers had been extremely slow over the years. As of December 31, 2025, DisCos were yet to reimburse ₦20.33 billion paid by customers for meters.
The directive is contained in Order No. NERC/2026/025, signed on February 27, 2026, by the Chairman of NERC, Musiliu Oseni, and the Commissioner for Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye. The order amends an earlier 2023 directive on meter cost reimbursement.
Under the MAP framework, customers who paid for meters are entitled to refunds through energy credits. NERC stated that all reimbursements must now be fully automated, with the cost of meters recognised as credit on customers’ accounts upon activation and disbursed monthly over the approved amortisation period.
The commission also ruled that meter reimbursement credits must not be used to offset customers’ existing electricity debts.
For prepaid customers, DisCos are required to generate monthly energy tokens representing the reimbursement, while postpaid customers must receive the refund as a separate credit line on their bills. To clear the backlog within one year, customers will receive accelerated reimbursements during the period.
NERC further directed DisCos to submit monthly compliance reports and establish dedicated email channels for customers who have not received their meter refunds.
The commission said the order is aimed at ending delays in reimbursements, improving transparency, and restoring customer confidence in the electricity sector.
