By INFOMEDIANG SOLUTIONS 
A Meter Asset Provider (MAP) refund is an initiative of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) whereby energy consumers who paid for prepaid meters are reimbursed through monthly units by their electricity distribution companies (DisCos).
Violation by the DisCos
The original arrangement was that every home should be metered, with the expenses covered by the federal government. However, the DisCos ran afoul of this arrangement by compelling their customers to pay for the meters themselves. NERC eventually stepped in to ensure that the rules of engagement were properly implemented.
Instead of cash refunds, the DisCos agreed to reimburse their customers through monthly units over an extended period. This process could run up to 100 months or more, depending on the specific DisCo and service Band.
Case Study of a MAP Refund
If you paid N48,123.62 for a prepaid meter before the refund policy took effect and you are on Band D, you might see that you have been credited with N486.10 (which is equivalent to 14.98 kWh). The simple calculation is:
N48,123.62 ÷ N486.10 = 99
This means it will take your DisCo at least 99 months to fully reimburse you for your initial meter payment.
How to Check If You Have Been Refunded for Your Meter
You will continue to receive these kWh adjustments as monthly tokens. Simply punch the token into your meter and press enter to activate it. The refund token will then be added to your balance.
Which DisCos Have Started the MAP Refund?
DisCos such as the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDP) have started implementing the refund policy. Several of their customers have confirmed receiving their tokens via SMS or email.
How to Check If You Have a Refund Unit Token from IBEDC
In case you haven’t been contacted via SMS, there might be an issue somewhere, so you can manually check if you have been credited.
If your DisCo is IBEDC:
- Go to ibedc.com/map_refund
- Enter your meter number and click on “Get Info”
- If you have pending credits, the details will be displayed, and you can load the token.
The details that will be displayed on the MAP refund portal your details and MAP Refund History, including:
- Customer Name
- Meter Number
- Account Number
- Feeder (Band)
- Transformer
MAP Refund History
Your MAP refund history shows the chronological order of your updates. It contains the following details:
- Date applied
- Refund amount
- Amount applied
- Balance
- Token
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the MAP refund?
Customers who paid for their meters under the MAP scheme (with a valid MAP ID) and meet the stated eligibility requirements.
How will I receive my refund?
Refunds will be issued monthly through a dedicated token that can be loaded directly onto your meter.
Do I need to buy electricity before using my refund token?
No. The refund token can be recharged directly on your meter, whether or not you purchase additional energy.
What if I did not receive a refund message?
If you didn’t receive an SMS, go directly to the official MAP refund portal of your specific DisCo to check.
How often will I receive my refund?
You will receive the refund monthly. For instance, if you received your first refund on September 10, 2026, it is highly likely you will receive the next one on October 10, 2026, as the system has been automated.
What if I have an issue with my refund?
Please contact your respective DisCo if you experience any issues with your refund or if your token fails to work.