The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has imposed sanctions on eight Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) for failing to comply with the monthly energy caps for unmetered customers from July to September 2024. The DisCos affected include Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola.
In a statement issued on April 10, NERC revealed that the sanctions amount to over N628 million and directed the DisCos to issue a credit adjustment to customers affected by the overbilling by May 15, 2025. The Commission cited a failure to comply with the established monthly energy caps as the reason for the fines.
“Pursuant to section 34(1)(d) of the Electricity Act 2023, the commission has sanctioned eight Electricity Distribution Companies for failing to fully comply with the monthly energy caps issued by the Commission between July-September 2024,” NERC stated.
The sanctions were levied in line with NERC’s 2020 Order on Capping of Estimated Bills, which aims to align unmetered customers’ estimated bills with the consumption of metered customers.
A review of the DisCos’ billing revealed violations, resulting in the imposition of fines equal to 5% of the overbilling value.
NERC has mandated the affected DisCos to correct the overbilling by providing necessary credit adjustments to all affected customers by the end of the April 2025 billing cycle.
“NERC reaffirms its commitment to regulatory compliance and consumer protection within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry,” the commission added.