By John Umeh
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has fined eight electricity distribution companies a total of N628.03 million for failing to comply with the approved limits on estimated billing for unmetered customers.
The companies affected by the penalties include Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola Electricity Distribution Companies.
This regulatory action, announced on Thursday, April 10, followed a thorough review of billing practices between July and September 2024. NERC found that these DisCos did not adhere to the monthly energy caps set by the commission, which are meant to prevent overcharging of unmetered consumers.
The fines represent 5% of the total amount overbilled during the third quarter of 2024. Additionally, NERC has instructed the companies to provide credit adjustments to the affected customers by May 15, 2025, at the end of the April billing cycle.
NERC reiterated its commitment to ensuring regulatory compliance and safeguarding electricity consumers. The commission reminded the public that it had introduced the Capping of Estimated Bills Order (Order No: NERC/197/2020) in 2020, which established monthly caps for estimated bills based on the average consumption of metered customers on the same feeder.
NERC emphasized that arbitrary billing practices would not be tolerated and pledged to continue monitoring DisCos to ensure they follow the regulations.
