SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos) collected ₦603.64 billion in revenue during the second quarter of 2026, even as aggregate technical, commercial, and collection (ATC&C) losses reached 36 percent, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The figures were disclosed in NERC’s Q2 2026 Operational and Commercial Performance Report, released on Wednesday, which assessed key developments in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
The report showed that electricity distribution companies billed customers ₦744.67 billion for electricity supplied during the three-month period, representing a billing efficiency of 79 per cent.
However, the companies collected ₦603.64 billion, equivalent to a collection efficiency of 81 per cent.
Despite the revenue generated, the average actual ATC&C loss across the distribution companies stood at 36 per cent, significantly higher than the regulatory benchmark of 16.92 per cent.
ATC&C losses measure the combined effects of technical losses, commercial inefficiencies, and difficulties in collecting payments for electricity supplied. These losses can arise from electricity lost during distribution, energy theft, inaccurate billing, and unpaid bills.
DisCos Remit 94% of Market Invoices
NERC’s report also revealed that electricity distribution companies achieved an overall market remittance rate of 94 percent during the quarter.
The companies remitted ₦385.44 billion against invoices issued by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) and the Market Operator (MO).
The remittance figures reflect payments made by DisCos to other participants in the electricity market for power supplied through the national grid.
National Metering Rate Reaches 62%
On metering, the report showed that the distribution companies metered an additional 350,270 customers between April and June 2026.
The development brought Nigeria’s national electricity metering rate to 62 per cent, leaving a substantial proportion of customers without meters.
The metering gap remains a key concern in the electricity sector, as estimated billing can generate disputes between consumers and distribution companies over the amount payable for electricity consumed.
Power Plants Record 90% Load Factor
Meanwhile, grid-connected power plants recorded a plant load factor of 90 percent during the quarter, generating an average hourly output of 4,022.40 megawatt-hours (MWh), according to the report.
The figures provide an indication of power plant utilization during the period, although actual electricity delivered to consumers also depends on transmission and distribution capacity.
NERC further disclosed that it issued 64 regulatory instruments during the second quarter in the exercise of its statutory powers under the Electricity Act 2023.
The regulatory measures form part of the commission’s oversight of operations, market performance, and compliance across Nigeria’s electricity industry.
Regulators must also ensure that performance targets are meaningful and that distribution companies are held accountable for meeting their obligations. At the same time, consumers should receive reliable service and transparent bills that reflect actual consumption wherever metering is available.
SNOW TV NEWS EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
The latest NERC figures underscore a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s electricity sector: generating revenue and maintaining market remittances are not enough if significant losses continue to undermine the efficiency of electricity distribution.
With DisCos collecting ₦603.64 billion in the second quarter of 2026, the 36 per cent average ATC&C loss deserves close regulatory attention, particularly because it exceeds the average allowed target of 16.92 per cent.
However, these losses should not be treated as a single problem with a single solution. Technical losses require improvements to distribution infrastructure, while commercial losses call for stronger measures against electricity theft, inaccurate billing, and other irregularities. Collection inefficiencies also require fair, transparent, and effective payment systems.
Our editorial position is that reducing electricity losses must become a measurable priority for Nigeria’s power sector. Stronger regulation, investment in distribution infrastructure, wider access to meters, and transparent billing are essential to improving efficiency. Ultimately, the success of electricity reforms should be judged not only by revenue collected or invoices settled but also by whether Nigerians receive more reliable power and fairer service for the money they pay. **
Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Nigerian Media Personality, Music Artist, Producer, Blogger and a Relationship Coach. He is a publisher specializing in Nigerian current affairs, politics, and lifestyle news. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV} he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
