The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has refunded a total of N241.45 million worth of electricity credit to 9,823 customers across its service areas, following billing errors and regulatory breaches committed between June 2024 and January 2025.
The refund, which was issued in the form of energy credits, was made in compliance with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)’s directive aimed at protecting consumers under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme. This directive mandates electricity distribution companies (Discos) to compensate customers who made upfront payments for meters but were later affected by billing irregularities.
AEDC, in a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, announced that it had published the names and details of affected customers on its website. Customers are being encouraged to check the list and verify their individual refund status at www.abujaelectricity.com.
According to the statement, “The management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc wishes to inform our esteemed customers that, in line with the directive issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission in February 2025, we have published the list of customers who have received refunds under the Meter Asset Provider scheme.”
The company said the refunds apply to both prepaid and postpaid customers. Prepaid customers received additional electricity units as compensation, while postpaid customers saw credit adjustments on their accounts.
NERC regulations under the MAP framework require that all customers who pay upfront for meters must be reimbursed by the respective Discos through energy credits. These reimbursements must be approved by NERC after carefully reviewing the financial capacity of the Disco involved. Under the MAP scheme, meters are financed and maintained by private third-party investors, with customers paying monthly metering service charges.
However, AEDC’s refund move follows widespread complaints by consumer protection groups and individuals who accused electricity distribution companies, including AEDC, of failing to provide timely or accurate refunds. The company’s latest disclosure seeks to address these concerns and show commitment to regulatory compliance.
Details shared by AEDC show a progressive timeline of refunds. For instance, in June 2024, a refund of 20-hour electricity supply was issued to 851 customers. In July 2024, refunds worth N1.47 million were given to 863 customers, and in August, the refund value rose to N20.25 million, covering 1,466 customers.
No refunds were made in September and October 2024, but November saw the largest single-month payout of N215.58 million to 6,179 customers. In December, N588,003 was refunded to 287 customers, while January 2025 saw 177 customers receiving N3.56 million in energy credits.
Apart from MAP-related refunds, AEDC also compensated Band A customers—those entitled to a minimum of 20 hours of daily electricity supply—who experienced service shortfalls during the review period. The company said these customers also received electricity units (for prepaid meters) or account credits (for postpaid meters) in line with NERC’s guidelines.
Customers in the AEDC franchise area, which includes the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa states, are advised to visit the company’s website to verify their status. For further assistance, AEDC has provided contact numbers, including WhatsApp and regular customer care lines.
The company added, “Refunds are being processed through energy credits over a period approved by NERC, and we urge all affected customers to review the published list and reach out if further clarification is required. We appreciate your continued cooperation and understanding.”
The development represents another step in Nigeria’s long battle to reform its electricity sector. The industry continues to struggle with metering shortfalls, irregular billing practices, power supply inconsistencies, and consumer dissatisfaction. The NERC, in recent months, has increased oversight on Discos, pushing for better customer service, transparency, and regulatory enforcement.
By refunding affected customers, AEDC aims to rebuild trust in its metering and billing systems while showing a willingness to operate within regulatory standards. The move also highlights the importance of consumer protection in Nigeria’s broader power sector reform efforts.
