NERC Meter Asset Provider Regulations 2018
Regulation · Finance
Policy date: 2018-01-01
Regulations establish the Meter Asset Provider scheme, allowing third-party companies to finance and install prepaid meters for electricity customers. They target distribution companies, unmetered customers, and meter providers. This accelerates metering to reduce estimated billing.
NERC Meter Asset Provider Regulations 2018
What Is This Policy?
Regulations that establish the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, allowing third-party companies to finance, procure, and install prepaid meters for electricity customers, addressing the massive metering gap in the distribution sector.
Who Does It Target?
Licensed Meter Asset Providers Electricity distribution companies Unmetered electricity customers Meter manufacturers and suppliers
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Accelerate the closure of Nigeria's metering gap by engaging private sector investment in meter procurement and installation, reducing the reliance on estimated billing.
Key Features
Third-Party Metering: Licensed MAPs invest in and install meters; customers or DisCos repay over time Meter Standards: Technical specifications and quality standards for meters deployed under the scheme Cost Recovery: Transparent framework for MAPs to recover their investment through regulated charges Customer Choice: Customers can request metering through the MAP scheme Data Management: Requirements for meter data collection, transmission, and integration with DisCo billing systems
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active, succeeded in part by the National Mass Metering Programme Coverage: All distribution franchise areas Lead Agency: NERC Partners: Licensed MAPs, DisCos, meter manufacturers
How to Access
Customers can request metering through their DisCo or directly through licensed MAPs. Contact your DisCo to request a prepaid meter under MAP Licensed MAPs install meters and the cost is recovered through regulated charges
Official Resources
Website: nerc.gov.ng Contact: NERC, Abuja
Legal Framework
The NERC Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Regulations 2018 are issued under the Electricity Act 2023 and the NERC (Establishment) Act. They operate alongside the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Metering) Regulations, the Distribution Licence conditions, and the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations. The MAP framework aligns with the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market Protocol and the World Bank Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (RISE) metering standards.