Presidency to install 750,000 electricity meters in 2027

The Nigerian Presidency announced plans to install 750,000 electricity meters by 2027, as part of the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI). This move aims to reduce billing discrepancies and improve the metering gap within the power sector. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) disclosed the plan in its metering factsheet issued on October 14, outlining government-backed metering programs and consumer rights.

According to NERC's August 2026 figures, about 12.75 million customers were active nationwide, with only 8.05 million having meters - a metering rate of 63.10 percent. This leaves around 4.7 million customers still relying on estimated billing. The 750,000 meters planned for deployment would address a part of the shortfall, although more installations would be necessary to cover all customers.

The PMI is one of several interventions to accelerate meter deployment in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. Other initiatives include the Meter Asset Provider scheme, where customers pay for their meters and receive refunds through energy credits; the National Mass Metering Programme; the Meter Acquisition Fund, which helps DisCos secure long-term financing; and the World Bank-backed Distribution Sector Recovery Programme.

These schemes are expected to complement each other, expanding meter deployment and improving billing accuracy. However, the factsheet did not provide a breakdown of how the 750,000 meters would be distributed among electricity distribution companies or specific locations for 2027. Even so, NERC reiterated customer protections, ensuring estimated bills for unmetered customers and strict capping rules.