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Daniel Adaji
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has taken disciplinary action against eight electricity distribution companies (DisCos) for failing to comply with billing regulations aimed at protecting unmetered customers from unfair charges.
In a statement on Thursday by the Commission, NERC announced that Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola DisCos have all been sanctioned for breaching the capping limits on estimated billing between July and September 2024.
“Pursuant to section 34(1)(d) of the Electricity Act 2023 (‘EA 2023’), the Commission has sanctioned eight (8) Electricity Distribution Companies… for failing to fully comply with the monthly energy caps issued by the Commission,” the statement read.
The infractions relate to a regulation introduced in 2020, which caps estimated bills for unmetered customers to reflect the average consumption of their metered counterparts on the same feeder line.
According to NERC, a review of billing records for Q3 2024 revealed that the sanctioned DisCos had exceeded the prescribed limits.
As a result, the affected DisCos have been fined a combined total of N628,031,583.94, representing “5% of the naira value of the gross overbilling for the period under review.”
In addition to the financial penalties, NERC has ordered that “commensurate credit adjustments” be issued to all overbilled customers no later than May 15, 2025, marking the end of the April 2025 billing cycle.
The Commission emphasized that it remains resolute in its oversight responsibilities, stating, “The Commission reaffirms its commitment to regulatory compliance and consumer protection within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.”