Consumers spent N2.311trn on electricity in 2025 despite service challenges – NERC

2026-03-08 - 15:27

By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja Nigerian consumers spent N2.311 trillion on electricity in 2025, even amid widespread complaints over poor service from electricity distribution companies (DisCos), according to reports from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Analysis of monthly fact sheets on DisCos’ commercial performance in 2025 shows that the utilities issued N3.025 trillion in electricity bills during the year, achieving a collection efficiency of 77.38 per cent. This means that N684.41 billion remained uncollected. Quarterly data revealed the following collections: N559.32 billion in the first quarter, rising by 2.5 per cent to N573.53 billion in the second quarter. The third quarter recorded N581.33 billion, a 1.3 per cent increase, before collections rose 6.8 per cent to N621.19 billion in the fourth quarter. The latest fact sheet from NERC indicated that in December 2025, DisCos collected N207.49 billion, slightly down from N208.78 billion in November. Gas Supply Constraints Affect Power Generation Despite the revenue collected, electricity supply has declined in 2026. The national grid has experienced three collapses, and average hourly generation dropped 21.34 per cent to 3,435 megawatts (MW) as of early March, compared to 4,367MW in December 2025. The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) attributed the decline to inadequate gas supply from the petroleum sector. Operational data as of 4 March 2026 showed that thermal power plants require around 1,588.61 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas per day to operate optimally, but actual supply was only 652.92 MMSCF, or about 40 per cent of the required volume. NISO noted that this shortfall has reduced the total electricity available for dispatch, contributing to ongoing generation inadequacies nationwide. DisCos Appeal for Patience Electricity distribution companies have called on consumers to remain patient as they manage reduced supply from the national grid. Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) stated that the temporary reduction in power supply is due to gas supply constraints affecting several thermal plants, resulting in a drop in total generation. The company thanked customers for their patience while efforts to stabilise supply continue. Ikeja Electric also apologised for the inconvenience, noting that load shedding is necessary due to gas supply constraints and pledged to keep consumers informed as the situation improves. Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company similarly cited limited allocation from the grid as the cause of supply shortages and assured consumers that normal supply would resume once allocations improve.