DisCos to Compensate Band A Customers Over Power Shortfalls

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to compensate eligible Band A customers affected by power supply shortfalls recorded between February and March 2026.

The commission announced the measure in a public notice issued on Wednesday, following significant declines in electricity generation from the national grid that prevented some DisCos from meeting the minimum service levels promised to Band A customers.

According to NERC, the compensation package will come in the form of electricity units, bill adjustments, or other approved remedies for customers who did not receive the required hours of electricity supply during the affected period.

The regulator explained that the intervention became necessary after widespread generation constraints across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) disrupted power delivery to several Band A feeders nationwide.

Band A customers are expected to receive a minimum average of 20 hours of electricity supply daily under the current service-based tariff structure.

NERC stated that affected DisCos have been directed to identify eligible customers and implement the compensation scheme in line with regulatory guidelines.

The commission noted that the move is aimed at protecting consumers’ rights, ensuring accountability within the electricity market, and maintaining confidence in the service-based tariff framework.

The directive comes amid ongoing concerns over power supply reliability despite recent reforms in the electricity sector.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a step towards strengthening consumer protection and improving service delivery across the power sector.

NERC reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring compliance and ensuring that electricity customers receive the level of service for which they are billed.