The total number of active customers nationwide increased from 11.89 million in July to 11.96 million in August 2025, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Released via its official X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram handles on Monday, the Commission’s latest Metering Factsheet for July and August 2025, noted that the updated active consumers data spreads across all 11 electricity distribution companies in the country.

“Out of these, 6.58 million customers were metered, resulting in a metering rate of 55.01%, up slightly from 54.71% in July. A total of 70,888 customers were newly metered in August, compared to 76,783 in July, reflecting ongoing metering efforts across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),” the regulator stated.

The improved metering figures reflect ongoing reforms and investments in customer management by DisCos, aimed at enhancing billing transparency and consumer trust, according to NERC.

Eko, Ikeja, and Abuja DisCos were ranked among the top performers in metering coverage nationwide. Eko DisCo recorded a metering rate of 84.25%, Ikeja DisCo 84.83%, while Abuja DisCo stood at 73.92%.

In April, NERC penalised eight DisCos – including Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Ikeja Electric (IKEDC), Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), Kaduna Electric, Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), and Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) – for failing to adhere to the monthly energy caps imposed on estimated billing for unmetered customers.

The Commission imposed a combined fine of over ?628 million on the eight DisCos. In addition to the monetary penalties, NERC directed each company to provide credit adjustments to all affected customers.

Earlier, NERC reported that DisCos installed a total of 225,631 meters in the second quarter of 2025, marking a 20.55% increase compared to the 187,161 meters installed in the first quarter of the year.

According to NERC’s Q2 2025 report, of the total meters installed, 147,823 units (65.52%) were deployed under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework, 65,315 meters under the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) scheme, 12,259 meters through the Vendor Financed framework, and 234 meters were installed under the DisCo Financed scheme. (Channels)