Electricity distribution companies collected N801.16 billion from consumers between January and April 2026 despite widespread power outages and supply constraints during the period, according to data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.
The regulator’s commercial performance factsheets showed that the 11 distribution companies collected N204.74 billion in January, N196.68 billion in February, N196.13 billion in March and N203.61 billion in April, bringing total collections to N801.16 billion.
The revenue was generated as households and businesses grappled with unstable electricity supply caused largely by gas shortages that reduced power generation and triggered widespread load shedding, particularly in February and March.
According to the NERC data, the distribution companies billed customers N1.01 trillion over the four-month period but recovered N801.16 billion, leaving N207.77 billion in outstanding revenue.
In January, the companies billed customers N268.20 billion and collected N204.74 billion, leaving N63.46 billion unpaid. Billing efficiency stood at 79.72%, while collection efficiency was 76.34%.
In February, total billings declined to N242.29 billion, with collections of N196.68 billion, leaving N45.61 billion outstanding. Billing efficiency rose to 87.44%, while collection efficiency improved to 81.17%.
March recorded billings of N246.43 billion and collections of N196.13 billion, leaving N50.30 billion uncollected. Billing efficiency was 83.89%, while collection efficiency stood at 79.59%.
In April, billings increased to N252.43 billion, while collections reached N203.61 billion, leaving N48.82 billion outstanding. Billing efficiency was 83.32%, with collection efficiency improving slightly to 80.66%.
The NERC reports also showed that substantial volumes of electricity supplied to the distribution companies were not billed, reflecting continued metering gaps and commercial losses across the sector.
Among the utilities, Eko Electricity Distribution Company recorded one of the strongest performances, posting a revenue recovery efficiency of 102.09% in April. Port Harcourt, Abuja, Ikeja and Benin distribution companies also recorded recovery efficiencies above 85%.
Kaduna, Kano and Jos distribution companies remained the weakest performers. Kaduna posted a recovery efficiency of 43.15% in April, while Kano and Jos recorded 51.87% and 52.48%, respectively.
The revenue figures come amid prolonged electricity shortages experienced during the first quarter of the year.
During the period, inadequate gas supply forced several thermal power plants to reduce output or shut down, causing national electricity generation to fall from about 4,000 megawatts to below 2,000 megawatts at certain periods. The Transmission Company of Nigeria subsequently rationed available electricity to distribution companies.
Operational data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator showed that thermal power plants require an estimated 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to operate efficiently. However, as of Feb. 23, actual gas supply stood at about 692 million standard cubic feet per day, representing less than 43% of the required volume.
Distribution companies repeatedly attributed the widespread outages to generation shortfalls caused by inadequate gas supply.
Although electricity supply began to improve gradually toward the end of April, consumers have continued to raise concerns over high electricity tariffs, estimated billing and poor service delivery.
Industry stakeholders have also called for improved metering, reduced energy theft and increased investment in infrastructure to strengthen the financial and operational performance of the power distribution sector.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission said electricity supply licensees cannot recover charges that are more than 12 months old, except in cases involving meter tampering, illegal electricity use or obstruction of meter reading.
The commission disclosed this in a consumer awareness message posted on its official social media platforms as part of efforts to educate electricity consumers on their rights.
“Electricity supply licensees cannot recover charges older than 12 months, except in cases of meter tampering, illegal use, and obstruction of meter reading,” the commission said.
