The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has warned MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited about alleged indiscriminate creation of new customer accounts without the provision of meters. The Commission said such practice violates its regulatory framework.
According to a Commission statement, various complaints have been received from customers stating that MainPower has been opening new accounts in the names of current customers without providing dedicated meters, therefore subjecting them to higher anticipated bills.
While reaffirming that every new connection must have a properly installed meter and the accessories as specified in the Metering Code, the Commission cited Section 35(1)(f) of the Enugu State Electricity Law 2023 and key provisions of the Customer Service Standard and Protection Regulations (CSSPR) 2024.
The state electricity regulatory body highlighted that the Service Provider is solely responsible for providing the materials and meters required for such connections.
“The process of connection shall comprise the connection of residences or premises to public supply and the installation of a meter and associated accessories,” it stated.
While indicating that it has formally notified MainPower to cease the creation of new accounts under existing customer names without metering, EERC urged affected customers to report any such infractions via email at info@eerc.en.gov.ng or by phone on 09122642755 for enforcement action.
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“Any new account created without a corresponding meter is in violation of regulatory provisions,” EERC warned.
The EERC encouraged unmetered customers and new subscribers to take advantage of the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme, which allows users to finance their meters up front and receive guaranteed refunds under Commission-approved terms.
Electricity Distribution companies (DisCos) have been operating estimated billing over the years, charging unmetered customers for electricity usage based on estimates. While the Federal government has continued to adopt measures to close the metering gap, there is still a significant number of unmetered electricity customers. Not less than 5.38 million registered customers nationwide remain unmetered as of August 2025, according to a report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in mass communication.
