By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has released new guidelines requiring third party collection service providers (CSPs) engaged by electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to make payment upfront to boost liquidity in the electricity sector.
The third-party collection service providers are licensed entities that collect electricity payments on behalf of distribution companies (DisCos) through various secure channels like agent banking, mobile money, POS, and web platforms.These providers must be registered with NERC and have a valid license from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to operate legally.
According to NERC, the new regulation is aimed at ensuring revenue assurance, eliminating leakages, and strengthening financial transparency across the sector.
The new regulation, titled “Guidelines on Registration and Engagement of Third-Party Collection Service Providers by DisCos, 2025, signed by Vice Chairman Musiliu O. Oseni takes effect from November 1, 2025, with all existing contracts mandated to comply fully on or before December 31, 2025.
Under the new regime, DisCos are barred from engaging any CSP that does not possess the appropriate licence or permit from the CBN.
Also, NERC has declared that every third-party collection contract must be submitted to the Commission for approval and registration before a provider can begin operations.
NERC directed all DisCos to migrate to more efficient and cost-effective collection methods, hinting at digital channels, automated collections, and standardised financial switching methods as preferred alternatives.
It also introduced a major shift in contract structuring that all collection contracts must be pre-funded.
This means that CSPs must remit revenue up-front before collecting payments, except in the case of providers offering banking and switching services.
This means that CSPs must remit revenue up-front before collecting payments, except in the case of providers offering banking and switching services, who will instead operate on a T+1 settlement cycle
NERC also mandated that all funds arising from pre-funded collection services shall be remitted through dedicated accounts maintained solely for each DisCo.
It maintained that every contract must also clearly state the transaction account details, with any additions or revisions to be immediately filed with the Commission.
It directed that engagement agreements must contain clear and measurable performance indicators, which DisCos are required to evaluate regularly to ensure compliance and efficiency.
One of the most sweeping clauses is the prohibition of third-party involvement in collections from Maximum Demand (MD) customers, who contribute some of the highest revenue across the electricity market.
NERC, however, ordered that collections from MD customers must not be contracted to agents.
“Payments must be made directly to DisCo-dedicated bank accounts. No commission shall be paid to any CSP for MD customer collections,’’ the regulation stated.
The commission stated that DisCos and CSPs that fail to comply risk sanctions under NERC’s enforcement powers, including suspension of contracts and financial penalties.