NERC Fines Eight DisCos ₦628 Million For Overbilling Unmetered Customers.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has imposed a fine of ₦628,031,583.94 on eight electricity distribution companies (DisCos) for failing to comply with the approved monthly energy caps for unmetered customers in the third quarter of 2024.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NERC identified the sanctioned DisCos as Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola. The companies were found to have breached the provisions of the commission’s 2020 Order on Capping of Estimated Bills (Order No: NERC/197/2020), which is designed to align estimated billing for unmetered customers with the actual consumption levels of those with meters on the same power feeders.
A review of billing data from July to September 2024 revealed that the affected DisCos had consistently overbilled unmetered customers, contrary to the regulatory cap. As a result, the commission levied fines totalling over ₦628 million, representing five per cent of the total naira value of the overbilling during the review period.
“The non-compliant DisCos have been sanctioned to pay fines amounting to six hundred and twenty-eight million, thirty-one thousand, five hundred and eighty-three naira and ninety-four kobo (₦628,031,583.94),” the statement read.
Beyond the monetary sanction, NERC has directed the DisCos to issue appropriate credit adjustments to all affected customers. These adjustments are to be completed no later than 15 May 2025, aligning with the end of the April 2025 billing cycle.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers and maintaining regulatory discipline within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Meanwhile, in a separate development aimed at improving electricity supply in the South-East, the Enugu State Electricity Commission has granted a 5MW power generation licence to Tempo Power Solutions Limited. The company will establish a gas-fired plant to bolster energy capacity in the state.
NERC assured the public that it will continue to monitor compliance with its directives and hold operators accountable in order to ensure fair service delivery to all electricity consumers across Nigeria.
