11 DisCos lose ₦131.69bn in January 2026
**** As NERC approves lower 2026 ATC&C target averaging 16.92%
In January 2026, the eleven electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in Nigeria experienced major commercial inefficiencies, receiving energy valued at ₦336.43 billion but collecting only ₦204.74 billion in revenue, resulting in a shortfall of approximately ₦131.69 billion,
These figures were contained in the January 2026 Commercial Performance Factsheet released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) released on Wednesday.
Eko and Ikeja DisCos emerged as the top performers overall, for the month in view, with EKEDC posting a billing efficiency of 91.26%, collection efficiency of 87.55%, and recovery efficiency of 87.92%, while Ikeja recorded 85.17%, 87.77%, and 81.64% respectively.
In contrast, Kaduna and Jos DisCos ranked among the weakest, with Kaduna posting a recovery efficiency of 36.29% and billing efficiency of 61.74%, while Jos recorded a collection efficiency of 47.74% and recovery efficiency of 43.54%.
The eleven DisCos collectively generated ₦204.74 billion in revenue, representing a 3.44% decline compared to the previous month, highlighting persistent liquidity and operational challenges across the sector.
Breakdown of each of the DisCos showed that Abuja DisCo received ₦54.39 billion and billed customers ₦45.95 billion, recording a billing efficiency of 84.49%, down by 2.48% compared with December 2025.
On collection, the DisCo collected ₦35.88 billion, achieving a collection efficiency of 78.09%, dropping by 3.55%.
It recorded an actual average collection of ₦94.23/kWh and a recovery efficiency of 75.02%.
Benin DisCo, on its part, received ₦31.57 billion but billed ₦22.14 billion, achieving a billing efficiency of 70.13%, down by 0.02%. It collected ₦17.56 billion, with a collection efficiency of 79.32%, declining by 6.04%.
The DisCo recorded an actual average collection of ₦79.64/kWh and a recovery efficiency of 63.46%.
Eko DisCo received ₦44.90 billion and billed ₦40.98 billion, achieving a billing efficiency of 91.26%, down by 4.11%. It collected ₦35.88 billion, with a collection efficiency of 87.55%, declining by 4.25%.
The DisCo posted an actual average collection of ₦110.60/kWh and a recovery efficiency of 87.92%.
Enugu DisCo received ₦29.12 billion and billed ₦23.18 billion, with a billing efficiency of 79.59%, down by 0.93%. It collected ₦15.96 billion, achieving a collection efficiency of 68.86%, which dropped by 7.25%.
Its actual average collection stood at ₦78.33/kWh, with a recovery efficiency of 63.17%.
Ibadan DisCo received ₦40.98 billion and billed ₦27.26 billion, recording a billing efficiency of 66.53%, down by 7.07%. It collected ₦20.66 billion, with a collection efficiency of 75.81%, declining by 7.48%.
Actual average collection by the DisCo was ₦72.27/kWh, while recovery efficiency stood at 57.72%.
Ikeja DisCo received ₦51.90 billion and billed ₦44.20 billion, achieving a billing efficiency of 85.17%, down by 5.94%.
The DisCo collected ₦38.80 billion, with a collection efficiency of 87.77%, improving by 4.39%. It recorded an actual average collection of ₦99.84/kWh and a recovery efficiency of 81.64%.
Jos DisCo received ₦17.11 billion and billed ₦13.09 billion, with a billing efficiency of 76.52%, up by 2.35%.
It collected ₦6.25 billion, achieving a collection efficiency of 47.74%, improving by 4.81%. Actual average collection stood at ₦54.08/kWh, with a recovery efficiency of 43.54%.
Kaduna DisCo received ₦16.27 billion and billed ₦10.04 billion, recording a billing efficiency of 61.74%, down by 11.26%.
It collected ₦5.11 billion, with a collection efficiency of 50.94%, improving by 12.35%. It posted an actual average collection of ₦44.20/kWh and a recovery efficiency of 36.29%.
Kano DisCo received ₦16.94 billion and billed ₦15.35 billion, achieving a billing efficiency of 90.61%, up by 0.19%.
It collected ₦8.53 billion, recording a collection efficiency of 55.59%, down by 1.86%. Its actual average collection stood at ₦70.52/kWh, with a recovery efficiency of 57.61%.
Port Harcourt (PH) DisCo received ₦26.06 billion and billed ₦21.41 billion, with a billing efficiency of 82.15%, up by 0.17%.
It collected ₦17.00 billion, achieving a collection efficiency of 79.39%, down by 2.12%. It recorded an actual average collection of ₦91.49/kWh and a recovery efficiency of 73.90%.
Yola DisCo received ₦7.35 billion and billed ₦4.55 billion, recording a billing efficiency of 61.83%, down by 0.42%.
It collected ₦3.06 billion, with a collection efficiency of 67.40%, dropping by 16.34%. Its actual average collection stood at ₦70.39/kWh, while recovery efficiency was 55.42%.
Consequently, as a regulatory measure, the NERC has therefore revised the Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) loss targets for each of the DisCos for 2026, averaging 16.92%, to reflect the expected impact of investments made in 2025.
The rising ATC&C targets for DisCos are expected to intensify regulatory oversight, potentially leading to stricter enforcement actions, while also driving improved operational efficiency and financial discipline across the sector.
