The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has fined eight electricity distribution companies (DisCos) a total of ₦628.03 million for overcharging unmetered customers, in violation of the approved estimated billing caps for the third quarter of 2024.
In a statement released on Thursday, NERC revealed that the affected companies include Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola DisCos.
The commission explained that these companies billed customers beyond the monthly energy consumption limits set by the regulator, despite an existing order that caps estimated bills for those without prepaid meters.
Referencing its 2020 Capping Order (NERC/197/2020), NERC stated that the purpose of the cap was to ensure fair billing by aligning unmetered customers’ charges with those of metered users on the same power supply line.
Following a detailed review of billing activities between July and September 2024, NERC found that the DisCos had breached the approved caps. As a penalty, the commission fined them an amount equivalent to 5% of the total overbilled sum during that period.
In addition to the fine, the DisCos have been directed to issue appropriate credit refunds to the affected customers by May 15, 2025, marking the end of the current billing cycle.
NERC reiterated its commitment to consumer protection and regulatory enforcement across Nigeria’s electricity sector, assuring Nigerians that such violations will not go unpunished.
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