- NERC fined Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola Discos for violating estimated billing caps between July and September 2024.
- Discos must issue credit adjustments to affected customers by May 15, 2025, as overbilling exceeded ₦12.5 billion.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has fined eight electricity distribution companies (DisCos) a total of ₦628 million for overbilling unmetered customers in violation of its billing cap regulations.
NERC, in a statement released on Thursday, April 10, confirmed that Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola DisCos overbilled customers between July and September 2024 despite the commission’s order on capping estimated bills. The Commission imposed the fine, equivalent to 5% of the overbilled amount, after reviewing billing records and finding widespread non-compliance.
“These DisCos violated the provisions of the Capping Order, which limits the amount they can charge unmetered customers based on the average consumption of metered customers in the same area,” NERC said in its statement.
The affected DisCos must also issue credit adjustments to customers impacted by the overbilling. NERC directed them to complete the refunds by May 15, 2025, coinciding with the end of the April billing cycle.
A THISDAY analysis of the fine suggests that the Discos collectively overbilled customers by more than N12.5 billion during the review period. NERC reiterated its commitment to enforcing regulatory compliance and protecting electricity consumers across Nigeria.
The Commission reminded the public of the 2020 Order on Capping of Estimated Bills (Order No: NERC/197/2020), which mandates estimated bills for unmetered customers to reflect the consumption patterns of similar metered customers on the same feeder.
“This sanction reinforces our commitment to consumer protection and regulatory enforcement within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry,” NERC affirmed, though it has yet to disclose the exact fines levied against each Disco.