*The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company begins crediting power consumers, who have paid for own prepayment electricity meters under the Meter Asset Provider scheme, and incorrect classification under Band A tariffs, in line with the directive of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission
Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect
Following a clear directive from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has begun crediting power consumers, who paid for their own prepayment meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme and incorrect grouping under Band A tariffs.
ConsumerConnect gathered the NERC signed February 2026, had instructed the electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to offset about N20.33 billion refund backlog within 12 months.
The affected electricity consumers were mistakenly billed under the higher Band A electricity tariff, instead of their appropriate Band B or Band C classification.
Report also indicated that the billing error resulted in power consumers’ paying more than they should have for electricity supplied to their premises, businesses and organisations in the power ecosystem.
However, in a move to correct the overbilling issue, AEDC began implementing the refund process from May 2026, with eligible customers receiving refunds through electricity credit tokens rather than cash payments.
It is equally noted that refunds are automated, credited as monthly energy tokens over a 120-month period, and cannot be used to offset existing debt, the commission noted.
Subsequently, several AEDC customers have already received free energy units via SMS, initially mistaken the alerts for scams before confirming genuine bonus tokens on their electricity meters, report said.
It is recalled that the AEDC previously, had faced regulatory action and fines from the NERC for incorrectly billing lower-tier (Bands B, C, D, and E) consumers at the elevated Band A rate.
The utility power distribution company has since processed credit adjustments for affected unmetered customers, according to report.
How to check your eligibility
Customers can verify whether they qualify by entering their meter number on AEDC’s official refund at: https://maprefund.abujaelectricity.com/
The portal will indicate whether a consumer’s prepayment meter qualifies for a refund or otherwise, the total refund amount due, and his/her refund details.
According to AEDC, the tokens represent refunds for the excess charges previously paid as a result of the incorrect tariff classification.
Why you should check
Even if you were unaware of the tariff error, you may still qualify for a refund.
Checking your electricity meter number takes only a few moments and could result in electricity credits being added to your account.
If you are an AEDC customer, it is worth verifying your status today at the stated official refund portal above.