The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has revealed that the country’s 12 electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) were unable to collect a total of N54.18 billion from customers in February 2025.
This disclosure was made in the Commission’s Commercial Performance Data report for the month of February.
According to the report, while the DisCos billed a total of N245.93 billion, only N191.75 billion was collected, reflecting a collection efficiency rate of 77.97 per cent.
In terms of energy distribution, the DisCos received 2,583.19 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity in February. Of this, 2,135 GWh was billed to consumers, resulting in a billing efficiency of 82.73 per cent. A significant portion, 446.19 GWh, went unbilled.
The Commission also observed a disparity between the actual average tariff and the amount recovered. The actual tariff was set at N116.18 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), yet the average amount collected was N88.21/kWh, suggesting a subsidy cost of N27.97/kWh.
Overall, the revenue recovery efficiency for February was recorded at 75.92 per cent.
Ikeja DisCo received the highest volume of energy, at 400.04 GWh, billing 332.37 GWh, resulting in a billing efficiency of 83.08 per cent.
Abuja DisCo followed with 385 GWh received and 278 GWh billed, achieving a billing efficiency of 77.08 per cent.
Eko DisCo, however, recorded the highest billing efficiency, with 89.02 per cent, billing 325.45 GWh out of 365 GWh received.
In terms of revenue collection, Eko DisCo led with N41.24 billion, closely followed by Ikeja with N41.18 billion, and Abuja with N35.67 billion.
At the lower end of the scale, Yola DisCo collected just N60.2 million, Kaduna N117.21 million, and Kano N127.78 million. Aba DisCo, despite its relatively smaller customer base, recorded a revenue of N32.61 billion.
This report raises concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of the DisCos, particularly in terms of revenue collection and billing, which could affect the overall stability and progress of Nigeria’s electricity sector.
