Nigeria's electricity tariff band system was designed with a noble intention: customers who receive more reliable electricity (more hours per day) should pay a higher rate per unit. The reality in 2026 is that thousands of Nigerian households are paying Band A or B rates (₦206–₦226/kWh) while receiving Band D or E supply (fewer than 8 hours per day). The difference amounts to tens of thousands of naira annually. NERC regulations give you the legal right to challenge this classification and claim a refund — most Nigerians simply don't know the process.
- Band A: ₦206–₦226/kWh — requires 20+ hours of supply per day
- Band B: ₦150–₦175/kWh — requires 16–20 hours per day
- Band C: ₦100–₦130/kWh — requires 12–16 hours per day
- Band D: ₦65–₦90/kWh — requires 8–12 hours per day
- Band E: ₦48–₦60/kWh — requires less than 8 hours per day
- If your actual supply doesn't match your band, you are legally entitled to reclassification
Step 1: Document Your Actual Power Supply for 30 Days
Before filing any complaint, you need evidence. For 30 consecutive days, log the exact hours your electricity supply is active each day. Note: (1) time power comes on; (2) time power goes off; (3) calculated hours of supply. Do this on a smartphone notes app, a spreadsheet, or a simple paper log. Photograph your meter at the same time each day if possible — the timestamp in EXIF data provides corroborating evidence. An average of fewer than 20 hours/day means you should NOT be on Band A; fewer than 16 hours means you should not be on Band B; and so on.
Step 2: File a Formal Written Complaint With Your DISCO
- Subject: Formal Complaint — Incorrect Tariff Band Classification — Account No: [YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER]
- Dear Customer Service Manager,
- I write to formally challenge my tariff band classification. My account [NUMBER] at [ADDRESS] is currently classified as Band [X], requiring [20/16/12/8]+ hours of daily power supply.
- My records for the period [START DATE] to [END DATE] show an average daily supply of [X] hours, which corresponds to Band [Y] under the NERC MYTO tariff schedule.
- I request immediate reclassification to Band [Y] and a refund of overcharges for the past 12 months, calculated as the difference between Band [X] and Band [Y] rates on my metered consumption.
- I attach my 30-day supply log as supporting evidence. Please acknowledge receipt and provide your resolution timeline per NERC Regulation 28(4).
- Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME, DATE, SIGNATURE]
Step 3: Escalate to NERC if Your DISCO Doesn't Respond
If your DISCO does not respond within 21 business days or rejects your complaint without substantive justification, file an escalation with NERC at complaints.nerc.gov.ng. NERC's Consumer Affairs Department handles these complaints and has the authority to order your DISCO to reclassify your account and issue a refund. NERC complaints typically take 30–60 days to resolve. Include your original complaint letter, your DISCO's response (or lack thereof), and your 30-day supply log.
How Much Could You Be Owed?
| Scenario | Monthly Overcharge | 12-Month Refund |
|---|---|---|
| Wrongly on Band A, should be Band C (200kWh/mo) | ₦19,200 (₦96/unit × 200) | ₦230,400 |
| Wrongly on Band B, should be Band D (150kWh/mo) | ₦12,750 (₦85/unit × 150) | ₦153,000 |
| Wrongly on Band A, should be Band D (300kWh/mo) | ₦47,400 (₦158/unit × 300) | ₦568,800 |
| Wrongly on Band B, should be Band E (100kWh/mo) | ₦9,500 (₦95/unit × 100) | ₦114,000 |
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