The price of a single-phase electricity meter in Nigeria has surged to over N130,000, up from N88,000 in the first quarter of this year, marking the second increase approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in 2024. Prices now range between N130,000 and N139,000 for single-phase meters and between N219,000 and N229,000 for three-phase meters, depending on the vendor.
This price hike has exacerbated frustrations among consumers, many of whom are still unmetered and facing inflated estimated bills from their Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos). Consumers without meters complain of being overcharged, with billing amounts far exceeding their actual energy usage.
Adding to the controversy, DisCos have stated that they no longer control meter sales, with customers now dealing directly with Meter Asset Providers (MAPs), who are required to supply meters within 10 working days after payment. However, due to economic pressures, including a steep rise in the exchange rate, some meter vendors and DisCos had previously paused sales to adjust prices.
The Executive Director of the Electricity Consumers Protection and Advocacy Centre, Princewill Okorie, criticized NERC for approving another meter price increase amidst ongoing economic challenges. He also pointed out that many consumers who have paid for meters under the MAP scheme have yet to receive the energy credits promised as refunds.
Despite a N21 billion allocation under the Presidential Metering Initiative to provide free meters to unmetered customers, the metering gap remains significant, with an estimated seven million of the 13 million electricity customers still unmetered. While NERC officials claim that refunds through energy credits are being monitored, consumers remain skeptical.
Meanwhile, some customers of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) have reported exorbitant bills after being switched from prepaid meters to direct connection due to issues with their meters. Complaints of bills as high as N1.3 million have sparked further outrage, with consumers accusing DisCos of arbitrary billing.
Both EKEDC and IBEDC have denied allegations of indiscriminate billing, stating that the capping policy is in place to prevent overcharging and that access to prepaid meters should not be denied to any customer. However, the ongoing issues with meter availability and rising costs continue to fuel consumer dissatisfaction across the country.
