The Nigerian electricity sector has witnessed a significant increase in the number of unmetered consumers, with a staggering 600,000 additional households and businesses lacking access to accurate electricity metering in 2024 alone. This development comes amidst widespread complaints of exorbitant billing practices by power companies, sparking concerns over the transparency and fairness of the billing system.
According to the latest report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the total number of unmetered electricity consumers in the country has risen to 3.2 million, representing a significant 23% increase from the previous year. The report attributed the surge to the slow pace of meter deployment by electricity distribution companies, despite the commission’s efforts to accelerate the metering process.
The lack of meters has resulted in electricity consumers being issued estimated bills, which are often inflated and bear little resemblance to their actual energy consumption. This has led to widespread dissatisfaction among consumers, who are demanding a more transparent and accurate billing system.
The NERC report also revealed that the majority of unmetered consumers are located in the residential and commercial sectors, with many households and small businesses struggling to cope with the exorbitant bills. The report noted that the situation is particularly dire in rural areas, where access to electricity is already limited and metering infrastructure is scarce.
The electricity companies have attributed the slow pace of meter deployment to various factors, including funding constraints, logistical challenges, and vandalism of metering infrastructure.
However, consumer groups have dismissed these excuses, arguing that the companies are more interested in maximizing profits than in providing accurate and transparent billing services.
The Nigerian government has intervened in the crisis, directing the NERC to take immediate action to address the issue.
The commission has responded by announcing a series of measures aimed at accelerating the metering process, including the procurement of additional meters and the engagement of private sector partners to support the deployment process.
