Nigeria electricity DisCos face new regulations and regional metering gaps

Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos) are facing new regulatory requirements and regional performance disparities. Under 2026 mini-grid regulations, DisCos must publish Hosting Capacity Information (HCI) on their websites. This includes details such as feeder identification, voltage levels, available capacity, and technical limitations, allowing developers to better assess network suitability for mini-grid projects.

Data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission shows that while the national metering rate rose from 44.16% in June 2023 to 61.51% in June 2026, significant regional gaps remain. Four northern DisCos—Jos, Yola, Kaduna, and Kano—reported metering rates below 41%, trailing the national average. In contrast, Eko Electricity Distribution Company saw substantial improvement, increasing its rate from 59.02% to 88.70% over the same period.