DisCos Push Back on “Free Meters” Directive, Seek Clear Rules

Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies, known as DisCos, have pushed back against a directive or messaging around “free meters,” arguing that the approach needs clearer definitions and a realistic funding plan. 

The companies warned that the way the issue is being communicated is already agitating customers, especially those who are frustrated by estimated billing and irregular supply.

At the center of the dispute is a basic question: what does “free” mean in a sector where equipment must be purchased, installed, and maintained? In many cases, metering programmes are funded through a mix of government support, customer payments spread over time, and recovery through tariffs approved by regulators. If any part of that structure is unclear, DisCos say it becomes difficult to plan procurement, logistics, and installation targets.

The pushback matters because metering is one of the biggest pain points in Nigeria’s power sector. Without accurate meters, billing disputes increase, collection falls, and trust between customers and DisCos breaks down. 

That weakens revenue, which then reduces the ability of DisCos to invest in network upgrades, transformers, and service improvements. The result is a cycle of poor supply, poor collection, and deeper sector debt.

From a consumer standpoint, more meters are clearly positive. A meter makes billing more transparent, helps households manage usage, and reduces the feeling of being cheated by estimates. It also makes it easier to detect losses and improve efficiency across the grid.

However, implementation needs discipline. If government promises meters without clearly stating who pays, timelines, and eligibility, expectations can outpace delivery. That creates frustration and can trigger conflict in communities.

The practical way forward is clarity on scope: which customer groups are covered, what type of meters will be deployed, who funds them, and how DisCos recover costs if tariffs do not cover capital spending. If these questions are answered transparently, metering can move from political talking point to real sector reform that improves service and restores confidence.