Electricity Cost Calculator
Confused by NEPA Bill? Calculate Your Cost in Naira
Select Your Disco
Select Tariff Class
Quick Estimates
Add Appliances (Optional)
LED Lights (10W)
5 bulbs × 6 hours
9 kWh/month
TV (150W)
4 hours daily
18 kWh/month
Refrigerator (150W)
24 hours (cycles)
108 kWh/month
AC Unit (1200W)
5 hours daily
180 kWh/month
Estimated Monthly Bill
Ikeja Electric (R1)
₦0
₦0.00 per kWh
Monthly Comparison
Daily Cost
₦0
Weekly Cost
₦0
Yearly Cost
₦0
Cost per Day
₦0
Savings Tips
Switch to LED bulbs: Save up to ₦0 monthly
Use AC at 25°C: Save up to ₦0 monthly
Unplug unused devices: Save up to ₦0 monthly
How It Works
Calculating your Nigeria electricity bill involves understanding the multi-part tariff structure used by all distribution companies (Discos). The formula breaks down into several components:
Total Bill = Energy Charge + Fixed Charge + Meter Charge + VAT
Where:
• Energy Charge = kWh Used × Energy Rate (varies by disco & tariff)
• Fixed Charge = Monthly fixed fee based on tariff class
• Meter Charge = Monthly meter maintenance fee
• VAT = 7.5% of (Energy + Fixed + Meter Charges)
Example: Ikeja Electric R1 tariff with 200 kWh consumption:
Energy: 200 kWh × ₦55.25 = ₦11,050
Fixed Charge: ₦750
Meter Charge: ₦500
Subtotal: ₦12,300
VAT (7.5%): ₦922.50
Total: ₦13,222.50
The calculator automatically applies the correct rates for your selected disco and tariff class, then adds all charges including VAT to give you the accurate total bill.
Understanding Nigerian Electricity Tariffs
Nigeria uses a banded tariff system approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Each distribution company has slightly different rates, but they all follow the same structure:
| Tariff Class | Description | Fixed Charge | Energy Rate Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1 (Residential Single) | Single-phase homes, most common | ₦750 | ₦55.25 – ₦65.00 |
| R2 (Residential 3-Phase) | Three-phase homes, larger consumption | ₦1,000 | ₦58.00 – ₦68.00 |
| C (Commercial) | Small businesses, shops, offices | ₦1,500 | ₦75.00 – ₦85.00 |
| D (Industrial) | Factories, large industries | ₦2,500 | ₦85.00 – ₦95.00 |
These rates are updated periodically by NERC to reflect changes in generation costs, exchange rates, and inflation. The calculator uses current approved rates as of 2024.
How Much Power Do Nigerian Homes Use?
Average monthly consumption varies significantly based on location, income level, and appliance usage:
| Household Type | Monthly kWh | Typical Bill (Ikeja) | Common Appliances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Flat/Studio | 80-120 kWh | ₦5,000 – ₦8,000 | Lights, fan, TV, phone charging |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 150-250 kWh | ₦10,000 – ₦18,000 | + Refrigerator, iron, blender |
| 3-Bedroom House | 300-450 kWh | ₦20,000 – ₦32,000 | + AC unit(s), washing machine |
| Large Detached House | 500-800 kWh | ₦35,000 – ₦55,000 | + Multiple ACs, water heater, oven |
Remember: These are estimates. Actual consumption depends on how many hours you use appliances, their efficiency, and whether you have alternatives like generators or solar power.
What If I Use a Prepaid Meter?
Prepaid meters (also called “pay-as-you-go”) use the same tariff rates as postpaid meters. The calculation is identical. The only difference is when you pay: before using electricity instead of after.
When you buy units:
Units Received = Amount Paid ÷ Energy Rate (including all charges)
Example: Pay ₦5,000 on Ikeja Electric R1 tariff:
Effective rate: ₦66.11 per kWh (including all charges)
Units: ₦5,000 ÷ ₦66.11 = 75.6 kWh
The meter automatically deducts VAT and fixed charges proportionally as you use electricity. So if you use 10% of your units, you’ve paid 10% of the fixed charges too.
How Do Different Discos Compare?
| Disco | R1 Energy Rate | Fixed Charge | 200 kWh Bill | Coverage Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ikeja Electric | ₦55.25 | ₦750 | ₦13,223 | Lagos (West) |
| Eko Electric | ₦56.00 | ₦800 | ₦13,380 | Lagos (Island) |
| AEDC (Abuja) | ₦58.00 | ₦700 | ₦13,770 | Abuja, Niger, Nasarawa |
| IBEDC (Ibadan) | ₦57.50 | ₦650 | ₦13,561 | Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara |
| EEDC (Enugu) | ₦56.50 | ₦600 | ₦13,299 | Enugu, Anambra, etc. |
| KEDCO (Kano) | ₦55.00 | ₦550 | ₦12,849 | Kano, Katsina, Jigawa |
All bills calculated for 200 kWh on R1 tariff including 7.5% VAT. Rates as of 2024.
What About Estimated Billing?
Many Nigerians receive estimated bills when meters aren’t read. Discos estimate based on:
1. Historical Consumption: Your past usage patterns
2. Neighborhood Average: Similar households in your area
3. Connected Load: Total wattage of appliances you have
If you receive an estimated bill that seems too high:
1. Keep Records: Track your actual appliance usage
2. Use This Calculator: Calculate what your bill should be
3. Take Photos: Document your meter reading
4. Complain Formally: Submit a written complaint to your disco with evidence
Under NERC regulations, discos must replace estimated bills with actual readings when provided. Keep pushing until they correct it.
Generator vs NEPA Cost Comparison
Many Nigerians supplement with generators. Here’s how costs compare:
| Generator Size | Fuel per Hour | Cost per Hour* | Equivalent NEPA | Daily Cost (8hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5KVA (Petrol) | 0.6L | ₦720 | ~2000W | ₦5,760 |
| 5.5KVA (Petrol) | 1.2L | ₦1,440 | ~4400W | ₦11,520 |
| 10KVA (Diesel) | 2.0L | ₦3,400 | ~8000W | ₦27,200 |
*Petrol at ₦1,200/L, Diesel at ₦1,700/L. NEPA at ₦66/kWh effective rate.
Even with current tariffs, NEPA power is significantly cheaper than generator power. A 2.5KVA generator running 8 hours daily costs about ₦172,800 monthly, while equivalent NEPA usage (1600 kWh) costs about ₦105,760.
Solar Power Break-Even Calculation
Solar becomes cost-effective when:
Solar System Cost ÷ Monthly NEPA Savings = Payback Period (months)
Example: 2KVA solar system costs ₦1,200,000
Saves ₦20,000 monthly on NEPA bills
Payback: ₦1,200,000 ÷ ₦20,000 = 60 months (5 years)
Typical solar system costs in Nigeria:
• 1KVA system: ₦600,000 – ₦800,000 (lights, TV, fan, phone charging)
• 2KVA system: ₦1,200,000 – ₦1,500,000 (+ refrigerator, small AC)
• 5KVA system: ₦2,500,000 – ₦3,500,000 (+ multiple ACs, washing machine)
With NEPA tariffs increasing, solar payback periods are getting shorter. Many systems pay for themselves in 3-5 years, then provide free electricity for 10+ more years.
How to Read Your Electricity Meter
To verify your bill, you need to read your meter:
Digital Meters: Display shows kWh directly. Note the number, wait a day, note again. Difference = daily usage.
Analog Meters: Read the dials from left to right. If pointer is between numbers, use the lower number. If pointer is exactly on a number, check the next dial to the right: if it’s past 0, use that number; if not, use the previous number.
Prepaid Meters: Shows remaining units. To calculate usage: Units bought – Units remaining = Units used.
Take monthly photos of your meter reading. Compare with your bill. Discrepencies should be reported immediately to your disco.
Common Nigerian Appliance Wattage Guide
| Appliance | Typical Watts | Monthly kWh* | Monthly Cost | Usage Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED Bulb (9W) | 9W | 2.2 | ₦145 | 5 bulbs × 5 hours |
| Ceiling Fan | 75W | 27 | ₦1,785 | 2 fans × 6 hours |
| TV (32″ LED) | 50W | 12 | ₦793 | 4 hours daily |
| Refrigerator (Medium) | 150W | 108 | ₦7,140 | Cycles 25% of time |
| AC (1.5HP) | 1,200W | 180 | ₦11,900 | 5 hours daily |
| Electric Iron | 1,000W | 10 | ₦661 | 1 hour weekly |
*Based on typical Nigerian usage patterns. Costs at ₦66/kWh effective rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my bill higher than my neighbor’s?
Several factors: different appliance types and usage hours, meter type (prepaid vs postpaid), tariff class, whether you have AC or electric water heater, and even the efficiency of your appliances. Older refrigerators use 2-3 times more power than new Energy Star models.
How can I reduce my electricity bill?
1. Switch to LED bulbs (saves 80% on lighting).
2. Use fans instead of AC when possible.
3. Set AC temperature to 25°C instead of 18°C.
4. Unplug chargers and devices when not in use.
5. Iron clothes in batches once a week.
6. Consider solar for high-consumption appliances.
What should I do if I can’t pay my bill?
Contact your disco immediately. Many offer payment plans for customers experiencing hardship. Avoid letting bills accumulate, as disconnection and reconnection fees add significant costs. If you believe the bill is wrong, follow the NERC complaints procedure with evidence of your actual consumption.
When will tariffs increase again?
NERC reviews tariffs periodically based on generation costs, exchange rates, and inflation. Minor adjustments may happen quarterly, with major reviews annually. Follow NERC announcements or your disco’s communications for updates. The calculator above will be updated when new rates are approved.
Note: This calculator uses current NERC-approved tariff rates as of 2024. Actual bills may vary based on specific disco implementations, local taxes, and individual consumption patterns. Always verify with your distribution company for exact billing.