Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: NERC

  • NERC Says Togo, Niger and Benin Owe Nigeria ₦25bn for Electricity Supply

    NERC Says Togo, Niger and Benin Owe Nigeria ₦25bn for Electricity Supply

    As disclosed by The Punch, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said Togo, Niger and Benin Republic owe about ₦25 billion for power supplied under regional agreements.

    The rising arrears have renewed debate about exporting electricity on credit while Nigeria faces domestic supply constraints and tariff pressures.

    NERC said discussions are ongoing on payment plans, warning that persistent non-payment could affect supply volumes.

    **Echotitbits take:** Recovering these debts matters for sector liquidity and stability. Watch for tougher contract terms—especially pre-payment structures—and clearer alignment between regional commitments and domestic power needs.
    Source: The Punch — https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/power-gencos-invoices-fall-n80-56bn-on-weak-demand/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Power distributors begin rollout of 700,000 ‘free’ prepaid meters under regulator pressure

    Power distributors begin rollout of 700,000 ‘free’ prepaid meters under regulator pressure

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    Punch reports that electricity distribution companies have commenced rollout plans for about 700,000 prepaid meters, amid intensified pressure from the regulator to close Nigeria’s metering gap and reduce estimated billing.

    Related coverage flags a major operational wrinkle: STS token migration, with many existing meters still needing upgrades to remain compatible, which could complicate customer experience even as new units are deployed.

    The programme’s credibility will be judged on installations completed, activation speed, and how quickly customer disputes over billing reduce in real terms.

    TheCable quotes NERC’s Musiliu Oseni warning, “If your network is not ready to accept the new meters, don’t bring them,” while ThisDay notes “over 350,000 meters are yet to be migrated to the new Standard Transfer Specification (STS).”

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s metering fight is now about execution—warehouse to wall. Watch who gets first (Band A vs others), how fast meters are activated, and whether dispute resolution is responsive when timelines slip.

    Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/regulator-pressure-discos-roll-out-700000-free-meters/)
    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Tinubu taps Muliyat Oseni to lead NERC as power-sector regulation resets

    Tinubu taps Muliyat Oseni to lead NERC as power-sector regulation resets

    Photo Credit: Punch / State House
    2025-12-19 10:00:00

    In a report by The Punch, President Tinubu has appointed Dr. Muliyat Omolola Oseni as chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    The change matters because NERC shapes tariffs, market rules, consumer protection and investor confidence—areas under pressure from service shortfalls and reform disputes.

    Verification: Premium Times and Vanguard also reported the appointment and the leadership change at the regulator.

    Quotes: Premium Times: “President Tinubu appoints new NERC chairman…” Vanguard: “Tinubu appoints Dr. Muliyat Oseni as NERC Chairman…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Appointments don’t fix electricity—execution does. Watch the first 90 days: metering acceleration, estimated billing controls, Disco performance enforcement, and transparent dispute resolution across the value chain.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-19 — https://punchng.com/tinubu-appoints-oseni-nerc-chairman/

    The Punch 2025-12-19

  • Reps committee summons three DisCos over ₦100bn unpaid remittances

    Reps committee summons three DisCos over ₦100bn unpaid remittances

    PunchNG (illustrative image on article page)
    2025-12-16

    According to The Punch, the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee summoned IBEDC, BEDC and PHEDC over alleged failure to remit more than ₦100bn owed to the Federal Government.

    The committee said the move is about protecting public resources and warned that ignoring summons can attract penalties under the law.

    The matter sits within broader debates on market shortfalls and cashflow constraints in the power sector.

    ThisDay: “summoned… over N100bn payment default.”

    BusinessDay: “summons… over N100bn debt to FG.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This could force repayment plans—or fade without enforcement. Watch for sanctions, structured recovery agreements, and whether regulators address the deeper revenue-collection and tariff issues driving remittance gaps.

    Source: The Punch — December 16, 2025 (https://punchng.com/n100bn-unpaid-reps-move-against-three-discos/)

  • DisCos added 187,765 meters in two months as national metering rate inches up

    DisCos added 187,765 meters in two months as national metering rate inches up

    Photo: Disco image – ThisDay

    According to The Punch, electricity distribution companies installed meters for 187,765 customers in September and October 2025, as reported by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    The report indicated 80,943 customers were metered in September and 106,822 in October, nudging the national metering rate upward from 55.37% to 56.07% and slightly expanding the total metered customer base.

    The Guardian also cited the NERC metering factsheet and highlighted the month-to-month improvement, while pointing out that the overall metering gap remains substantial despite incremental progress.

    Vanguard similarly reported the figures and reiterated NERC’s framing that the factsheet is meant to track DisCo progress in closing Nigeria’s long-running metering deficit.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s metering story is now about pace and fairness. The monthly gains are positive, but too slow relative to demand growth and consumer distrust of estimated billing. Watch for: (1) how quickly DisCos meter high-complaint feeders, (2) the availability and financing of meters under MAP/National Mass Metering efforts, and (3) whether dispute resolution improves as metering expands.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/187765-electricity-customers-metered-in-two-months-nerc/)