The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has fined eight electricity distribution companies a total of ₦628 million for giving inflated bills to customers without meters.
The affected companies are Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola DisCos.
NERC announced the fine in a statement on Thursday, April 10, 2025, after reviewing the companies’ billing practices from July to September 2024.
According to the commission, these DisCos failed to follow the rules on estimated billing.
“The non-compliant DisCos have been sanctioned to pay fines amounting to six hundred and twenty-eight million, thirty-one thousand, five hundred and eighty-three naira and ninety-four kobo (₦628,031,583.94),” the statement said. “This is 5% of the total amount they overbilled customers during the review period.”
NERC said it has also ordered the DisCos to give credit adjustments to all affected customers by May 15, 2025, which marks the end of the April billing cycle.
The commission reminded the public that it had introduced the Order on Capping of Estimated Bills in 2020. This rule was meant to make sure unmetered customers are billed fairly, based on what similar metered customers use.
“The commission reaffirms its commitment to regulatory compliance and consumer protection within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry,” NERC added.
The move is seen as part of efforts to reduce the burden of “crazy bills” on Nigerians and push electricity providers to improve transparency in their billing systems.
