The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has slammed a fine of N628.03 million on eight electricity distribution companies (DisCos) for flouting the cap on estimated billing for unmetered customers.
The affected companies include Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola DisCos, according to a statement released by the commission on Thursday.
NERC explained that the penalty followed a review of billing practices between July and September 2024, which showed the companies failed to comply with monthly energy caps issued by the regulator. The fines represent five per cent of the total overbilling recorded within the review period.
In addition to the fines, NERC has directed the DisCos to issue credit adjustments to all overbilled customers by May 15, 2025, coinciding with the end of the April billing cycle.
The commission stressed its commitment to consumer protection and regulatory compliance, emphasizing that arbitrary billing practices would not be tolerated.
“The public may recall that in 2020, the commission issued the Order on Capping of Estimated Bills (Order No: NERC/197/2020),” the statement read. “This order aligns estimated billing for unmetered customers with the measured consumption of metered customers on the same feeder line.”
The commission said it remains firm in its stance against non-compliance, adding that it would continue to monitor the billing activities of DisCos to safeguard consumers in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
