Electricity Distribution Companies in Nigeria collected N801.16 billion from electricity consumers between January and April 2026 despite months of persistent power blackouts that disrupted homes and businesses across the country, according to newly released figures from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The regulator’s latest commercial performance factsheets showed that the country’s 11 electricity distribution companies billed customers N1.01 trillion during the four-month period and recovered N801.16 billion, representing a collection efficiency of almost 80 per cent.

The data also revealed an outstanding N207.77 billion in unpaid revenue, underscoring the sector’s continuing commercial challenges.

The strong revenue performance came during one of the most difficult operating periods for Nigeria’s electricity industry in recent years.

Electricity supply deteriorated significantly in February and March after severe gas shortages forced several thermal power plants to reduce output or shut down entirely, leading to extensive load shedding nationwide.

According to NERC, the distribution companies collected N204.74 billion in January, N196.68 billion in February, N196.13 billion in March and N203.61 billion in April. Monthly billings stood at N268.20 billion, N242.29 billion, N246.43 billion and N252.43 billion respectively.

The regulator’s figures also highlighted persistent operational inefficiencies. Large volumes of electricity delivered to distribution companies were never billed, reflecting longstanding metering deficiencies, energy losses and commercial leakages that continue to weigh on the sector.

Performance varied widely among the utilities. Eko Electricity Distribution Company emerged as the strongest performer in April with a revenue recovery efficiency of 102.09 per cent, while Port Harcourt, Abuja, Ikeja and Benin distribution companies also recorded recovery efficiencies above 85 per cent.

By contrast, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company remained the weakest performer, posting a recovery efficiency of 43.15 per cent. Kano and Jos distribution companies also struggled, recording 51.87 per cent and 52.48 per cent respectively.

The revenue gains contrasted sharply with consumers’ experience during the first quarter of the year.

National electricity generation fell from around 4,000 megawatts to below 2,000 megawatts at several points after inadequate gas supplies constrained thermal generation, forcing the Transmission Company of Nigeria to ration available electricity across the national grid.

Operational figures released by the Nigerian Independent System Operator showed that thermal power stations require approximately 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to operate efficiently.

However, by 23 February, only about 692 million standard cubic feet per day was available, representing less than 43 per cent of the required supply.

Throughout the disruption, electricity distribution companies repeatedly attributed widespread outages to generation shortfalls caused by inadequate gas availability.

Although supply conditions began to improve towards the end of April, many consumers have continued to express frustration over high electricity tariffs, estimated billing and inconsistent service delivery.

Industry stakeholders have maintained that expanding metering, reducing electricity theft, modernising ageing infrastructure and improving gas supply remain essential to strengthening both the financial sustainability of distribution companies and the reliability of electricity supply across Nigeria.

In a related consumer protection measure, the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission recently reminded electricity supply licensees that they cannot recover charges that are more than 12 months old, except in cases involving meter tampering, illegal electricity use or obstruction of meter reading.

“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 in a consumer awareness notice published on its official social media platforms.

The latest NERC figures illustrate the delicate balance facing Nigeria’s electricity market, where improving revenue collection continues to coincide with persistent supply constraints, leaving consumers seeking better value for the electricity they receive.