Electricity distribution companies (DisCos) across Nigeria metered 109,556 customers in December 2025, according to verified industry reports. This substantial monthly deployment represents a critical push in the ongoing power sector reforms, directly tackling the perennial issue of estimated billing.
The End of 'Crazy Bills'?
For the newly metered customers, this means a transition from the controversial estimated billing system to transparent, consumption-based billing. Estimated billing, where charges are based on approximations, has long been a source of conflict between consumers and distribution companies, often derided as 'crazy bills.' The meter rollout is a fundamental step towards accountability and improved customer relations.
National Coverage Reaches 57%: A Milestone with a Caveat
Concurrent with the metering drive, the overall national electricity coverage rate has reached 57%. This benchmark indicates the proportion of the population with access to the national grid. While this signifies gradual network expansion after years of infrastructural challenges, it also starkly reveals that 43% of the country remains without formal grid access, relying on expensive alternatives like generators.
The Road Ahead
The December meter installation, though significant, must be viewed against Nigeria's vast metering gap, where millions of registered users still await meters. Achieving universal metering and expanding grid coverage beyond 57% remain formidable tasks crucial for Nigeria's economic development. This progress, however, signals a concerted effort to build a more transparent and reliable power sector.
