The Federal Government has banned electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) from charging customers for meter installation, reaffirming its commitment to ending the long-standing practice of estimated billing across the country.
The government disclosed that electricity meters will now be provided free of charge to consumers under approved national metering initiatives, warning that any DisCo found violating the directive will face stiff sanctions.
According to the government, the move is aimed at protecting electricity consumers, promoting transparency in billing, and restoring confidence in the power sector. It stressed that estimated billing has remained a major source of dispute between consumers and DisCos, often resulting in inflated and arbitrary charges.
Authorities further warned that DisCos must strictly comply with the metering framework, noting that customers should no longer be asked to pay any form of installation, replacement, or activation fees for meters covered under government programmes.
The Federal Government also urged electricity consumers to report any DisCo that attempts to defy the directive, assuring Nigerians that regulatory agencies have been mandated to enforce compliance and apply sanctions where necessary.
This development is expected to bring relief to millions of households and businesses, while accelerating the nationwide push for full metering and a fairer electricity billing system.
