This calculator helps you determine the cost of buying electricity units in Nigeria. The calculator is the first that works for all DISCOS in Nigeria. It can also help you determine how many units you can get for a price.
What the Electric Unit Calculator is
This electric Unit Calculator (prepaid units calculator) is versatile because it contains the tariff rate for all the distribution companies in Nigeria so it functions as both aedc unit calculator, ikedc unit calculator, bedc unit calculator and any other Disco you can think of.
How the Electricity Tariff Works
With the volatile Nigerian economy, budgeting has become more important and it is essential to be deliberate about every single Naira you spend. One of the major necessities of our daily living is electricity.
Different States in Nigeria are supplied electricity by assigned Distribution Companies, popularly known as DISCOS. The era of NEPA and PHCN was long gone.
At the time of this writing there are 11 distribution companies in Nigeria, namely:
- Kaduna Distribution Company (KEDC)
- Kano Distribution Company (KEDCO)
- Yola Distribution Company (YEDC)
- Jos Distribution Company (JED)
- Abuja Distribution Company (AEDC)
- Ibadan Distribution Company (IBEDC)
- Ikeja Distribution Company (IKEDC)
- Eko Distribution Company (EKEDP)
- Benin Distribution Company (BEDP)
- Port Harcourt Distribution Company (PHED)
- Enugu Distribution Company (EEDP)
Each of the 36 states and the FCT falls under one of these distribution companies. The tariff for each DISCO differs and it is regulated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
NERC works with Multi-Year Tariff Order. The latest one was set in 2022 and it includes rates for Year 2021 -2026.
So, how is the tariff set? Several factors are considered as they affect different regions—for example, Gas Prices, Exchange Rate, Generation Costs, Transmission and admin Costs, etc.
How are the tariffs classified? Let’s take a look.
Classification by Demand (What You Use)
The electrical infrastructure that is used in a facility determines the kind of demand that will be made for power. For example, a house that has just 2 bulbs would consume less power than a production factory if electricity is supplied to them for the same length of time.
We may easily assume that Residential buildings will consume about the same amount of power but some houses use high-voltage appliances that demand up to (11|33kV). This kind of user is grouped as ‘Maximum Demand’. So we also have Non-Maximum Demand customers. Meanwhile, the Maximum Demand users are divided into 2 – Maximum Demand 1 and Maximum Demand 2.
Non Maximum Demand
Non Maximum Demand users with Demand Level of about 5kVA<15kVA per month. Most houses fall under this category. Your house is most likely in this category, only a few houses will be under the Maximum Demand Tariff. They typically live in apartments, houses, or multi-story buildings equipped with either single-phase or three-phase meters.
Maximum Demand
Maximum Demand users have a demand of about 16kVA to 500kVA. That’s a huge range, right? They are further divided into 2.
a. Maximum Demand 1
Those with a demand of >15kVA<45kVA are in this category. They have low voltage maximum demand load. Examples of those under this are Hotels, Companies, Medium Size Barracks, Street Lights, and some Residents.
b. Maximum Demand 2
This includes facilities with a demand of >55kVA<500kVA. They have a high voltage demand. Users in this category would usually know they are on this tariff so you don’t need to bother figuring out if this is your tariff. Examples of those under this tariff are Supermarkets, Malls, Oil Companies, Construction Companies, Large Barracks, Agricultural Processing Companies etc.
Classification by Supply (How Much Power You’re Given)
Service Band A
Customers in this band enjoy the highest level of power supply, receiving 20 hours or more of electricity daily. Government Residential Areas and High-brow Estates are usually on this band.
Service Band B
Falling into this category means you receive a substantial amount of power, typically between 16 to 19 hours daily. It meets the needs of homes and companies with moderate power needs and to some, might strike a good balance between price and supply. Major towns and cities in Nigeria usually fall under this band.
Service Band C
Customers in this band receive 12 to 16 hours of power daily. This service band provides a decent amount of electricity, suitable for many residential consumers and small businesses.
Service Band D
With 8 to 12 hours of daily power supply, Service Band D caters to those who need power for specific periods of the day. As we go closer to the rural areas, we begin to find users in this service band.
Service Band E
Customers in Service Band E receive 4 to 8 hours of power supply daily. This is the poorest supply and users in this band have to rely heavily on alternative sources.
Examples of Tariff Plans and What They Mean
Having explained how the tariffs are designed, let’s take a few examples to make it clearer.
NMD-A
This means – Non-Maximum Demand users on Band A.
The first part of the tariff identifier shows the classification based on demand, while the part on the other side of the hyphen shows the Band. This means that a user on this tariff plan has a monthly demand of about 5kVA<15kVA and they have 20 – 24 hours of supply daily.
MD1-B (Maximum Demand 1 – B)
Users on this have a Maximum Demand of about >15kVA<45kVA monthly. They however use low voltage appliances either on a single or 3-phase meter. They get a supply of about 16 to 19 Hours a Day.
MD2-C (Maximum Demand 2 – C)
This tariff plan is for those with high voltage demand. They demand 46kVA – 500kVA. Since they are on Band C they receive a supply of power for about 12 to 15 hours daily.
Old Tariffs
Nigeria’s traditional electricity billing system has long classified consumers into four primary categories: Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Special. Each of these categories has further subdivisions that specify the type of consumers and their associated tariff rates. Here’s a closer look at these old tariff categories:
Residential
The residential consumers are divided into four categories:
R1: These are consumers classified under the lifeline and typically have a maximum consumption of 50 kWh. So, R1 tariffs meet the needs of those who require minimal energy access.
R2: This was designed for customers who consume above 50 kWh. They typically reside in flats, houses, or multi-storeyed buildings and use single or three-phase meters. R2 consumers align with standard residential living.
R3: Consumers residing in flats, multi-storeyed buildings, and small estates but using low voltage maximum demand loads fall under the R3 category.
R4: R4 consumers, much like those in R3, live in flats or multi-storeyed buildings but utilize high voltage maximum demand loads, such as 11|33kV connections. These consumers have higher energy requirements compared to the previous category.
Commercial
Commercial consumers fall into three subcategories:
C1: These consumers use their premises for purposes other than exclusively residential or as factories for manufacturing goods. Mainly, small businesses fall in this section. Businesses like saloons, shops, etc. C1 consumers typically utilize single or three-phase meters.
C2: Similar to C1, C2 consumers use their premises for non-residential purposes but utilize low voltage maximum demands. Banks and hotels fall into the C2 category.
C3: C3 customers also use their premises for non-essential purposes. However, unlike C2, they utilize high voltage maximum demand loads (11|33kV). This subcategory often includes larger businesses such as supermarkets and hypermarkets.
Industrial
D1: D1 customers use their property for manufacturing goods. They are small industries like welders and typically employ single or three-phase meters to meet their industrial needs.
D2: D2 customers engage in manufacturing and industrial activities including welding but they use low voltage maximum demand loads. Large-scale industries typically fall under the D2 subcategory.
D3: Similar to D2, D3 consumers are involved in manufacturing and industrial activities but utilize high voltage maximum demand loads (11|33kV). This category includes large industrial players like oil companies and large construction companies.
Special
A1: A1 customers are those who are engaged in agriculture, water boards, churches, mosques, schools, government and teaching hospitals, government research institutes, and educational establishments using single or three-phase meters.
A2: A2 consumers, similar to A1, engage in agriculture and related activities but utilize low voltage maximum demand loads. This category may include medium-sized barracks and similar bodies.
A3: A3 consumers are also involved in agriculture and related activities but use high voltage maximum demand loads (11|33kV). This subcategory is suitable for larger entities like large barracks and bigger agricultural processing companies.
Conversion of Old Tariff to New
Some users are still stuck with the old tariff classes, thereby, struggling to understand the new classes. Below, we have itemized most of the old tariff classes and their new equivalents of the old.
Lifeline Tariff Class
The lifeline tariff class (R1) is still the same both in the old and new tariff classes. These are consumers who use less than 5kVA monthly.
Other Residential Tariff Classes
R2
Those who were in this class are now under the Non-Maximum Demand Class.
R3
This is now under the Maximum Demand – 1 Class.
R4
R4 has moved to the Maximum Demand – 2 Class.
Commercial Tariffs
C1
This plan is now a part of the Non-Maximum Demand Class.
C2
Maximum Demand 1 is the new name for the old C2.
C3
C3 is currently known as Maximum Demand 2.
Industrial Tariffs
D1
This is under the new Non- Maximum Demand.
D2
As you guessed, it is currently known as Maximum Demand 1
D3
D3 now goes by the name Maximum Demand 3.
The pattern is very easy to understand. All the former classes with number 1 are Non-Maximum Demand. The ones with 2 are Maximum Demand 1, and those with 3 and above are Maximum Demand 2. In some descriptions, R4 and even R5 exist. Everyone from 3 upwards is now under Maximum Demand 2.
For the letters, R stands for Residential, C stands for Commercial, D stands for Industrial and S stands for Special. E used to be an embassy but it has been suspended.
Some old tariff classes look slightly different from the ones we mentioned here. For instance, R2S. This means Residential with a Maximum Demand of 2 and a single phase meter, while R2T means Residential class with a Maximum Demand of 2 and three phase meters.
We can say the old tariff followed a structure of –
Use Class + Demand (Non-Maximum or Maximum) + Phase.
R+2+S
Some others have a structure of just – Use Class + Demand (Non-Maximum or Maximum)
What Does the Electricity Unit Calculator do?
It Helps you determine your tariff rate if you don’t know it
With the different tariff rates and the various categories that exist, determining your tariff rate might be difficult. However, the calculator simplifies the process if you don’t know yours. On the calculator are the 11 distribution companies in Nigeria and the different tariffs available for you to select from. Once you’ve provided your data, the calculator easily predicts your tariff rate.
It helps you find out the tariff of any Distribution Company in Nigeria
The tariff rates in Nigeria vary from one location to another. But with the help of this tool, you can effortlessly access and compare the tariffs, making the process simple and streamlined. You can access the 11 distribution companies in Nigeria and discover their tariff rates when you choose any of the DISCOS.
It helps you find out how much you need to buy a certain amount of Units
Having a clear cost associated with purchasing units is a must for every consumer. That’s another area the electricity unit calculator comes in. It informs you the amount you need to get a particular amount of units. Once you’ve specified the number of units you wish to buy, the calculator immediately calculates and informs you of the cost of buying those units.
It helps you find out how many units you would get if you spend a certain amount of money to buy units.
In like manner, you can discover how many units you will get for any amount of money. Just enter the amount you are willing to spend in the designated area and the calculator will provide the approximate number of units you can get for that amount.
It helps you know the cost of electricity if you relocate to a different part of Nigeria
Since there are differences in tariff rates, the calculator allows the process of knowing your new location’s tariff rate seamless. All you need to do is select your state and the tariff and the rates should be with you within seconds. So, you don’t get surprises that might come with your DISCOS billing.
How to use the Calculator to Find out Your Electricity Tariff
Using the calculator to find out your tariff rate is quite straightforward. To do that, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Pick a ‘No’ if you are not aware of your tariff
Step 2: Determine your tariff class by answering the questions; how much electricity you get in a day, and what type of consumer you are.
Step 3: Results
After careful selection, within seconds, the calculator will present both your old tariff and new tariff.
How to use the Calculator to know how much you need to get an amount of Unit
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1
Go to the Unit Cost section on the calculator
Step 2
Select ‘unit to cost‘ below the heading ‘convert from‘.
Step 3
In the space provided, input the number of units you would like to purchase.
Step 4
After entering the necessary details, the calculator goes ahead to calculate and estimate the amount you’ll spend to purchase the desired number of units.
How to use the Calculator to Know how many units you would get if you spend a Certain Amount.
Using the calculator to know how many units you will get is a straightforward process. Kindly follow these steps:
Step 1
Go to the unit cost section of the calculator.
Step 2
Click on the ‘cost to unit’ bar.
Step 3
Enter the amount of money you would like to spend in the designated space.
Step 4
The calculator easily determines the number of units you’ll get if you spend the desired amount of money you inputted.
How we Arrive at the Tariffs (Sources Used for Each Disco)
We used information sourced from either the official sites of the Distribution Companies, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission website, or the Official Social Media Handles of the earlier-named bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many units of electricity for 5000 naira in 2023?
The number of units N5000 will get varies from one tariff and distribution company to another. For instance, N5000 will get 71.92 units in Ikeja, IKEDC distribution company (NMDA tariff), but won’t on the Island. Instead, it will get 74.10 units in place like Lekki, and Ikoyi that are under EKEDC.
If you want specific answers based on your location, we advise you to use the calculator above.
2. How many units of electricity for 3000 naira?
N3000 will purchase 44.46 units in Lagos (EKEDC, tariff MD1-A). The number of units will vary depending on the DISCOS and tariff.
To find out the specific number of units based on your location and tariff, blindly use the calculator.
3. How many units of electricity for 6000 Naira?
In Kano with the tariff NMD-D, N6000 will get 169.44 quantity of units. This will be different from other distribution companies and tariffs.
So, to find out how many units N6,000 will get you in your location, kindly make use of the calculator.
4. How much is 250 units of electricity?
You can get 250 units for N12,552.50 in Enugu with the tariff MD1-C. This will be different from other locations and tariffs. So make sure to use the calculator to find out the price at your location.
How we Maintain This Electricity Unit Calculator
The data source for this calculator is manually edited on the first day of every new year based on the MYTO documents released by the NERC.
Disclaimer
While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the tariffs we have used in this calculator, we cannot guarantee its consistency. Our limitations stem from relying on information made available by NERC and DISCOS in the public domain.
We want to clarify that we have no affiliations or connections with either NERC or any specific DISCO. We share the same status as typical end users and consumers of electricity.
Our aim is simply to simplify the process of calculating electric unit costs by creating this calculator using freely accessible official information from the internet.
We do not assume responsibility for any liabilities that may arise from the use of this calculator. Therefore, we recommend consulting your local Disco company for professional advice and support.