The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has imposed a total fine of N628.03 million on eight electricity distribution companies (DisCos) for violating regulations on estimated billing for unmetered customers.
According to a statement posted on the Commission’s verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, the sanctioned DisCos include Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola Electricity Distribution Companies.
The fines follow a regulatory review of billing practices between July and September 2024, which revealed that the affected DisCos failed to comply with the monthly energy caps set by NERC. These caps were designed to limit estimated billing for unmetered customers and ensure fairness by aligning their charges with the average consumption of similar metered customers on the same feeders.
NERC stated that the penalties represent 5% of the total amount overbilled by the DisCos during the third quarter of 2024.
In addition to the monetary fines, the Commission has directed the DisCos to issue credit adjustments to all affected customers no later than May 15, 2025, which coincides with the conclusion of the April 2025 billing cycle.
“The public may recall that in 2020, the Commission issued the Order on Capping of Estimated Bills (Order No: NERC/197/2020),” NERC said. “This order and subsequent monthly energy caps were introduced to protect unmetered customers from arbitrary billing and to ensure billing practices reflect actual consumption patterns.”
NERC emphasized that the enforcement action reaffirms its commitment to regulatory compliance and consumer protection in Nigeria’s electricity supply industry.
The Commission also urged electricity consumers to remain vigilant and report any continued violations of billing regulations.
