The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in Nigeria has reported a notable increase in electricity consumers, reaching 11.71 million in the third quarter of 2023, up from 11.47 million in the second quarter of the same year, indicating a growth rate of 2.08 percent.
Among these consumers, metered customers accounted for 5.68 million in Q3 2023, marking a 3.77 percent increase from 5.47 million in the previous quarter. This represents a substantial year-on-year growth of 13.07 percent compared to the 5.02 million metered customers reported in Q3 2022.
Furthermore, the total number of customers witnessed a 7.09 percent increase year-on-year, rising from 10.94 million in Q3 2022 to 11.71 million in Q3 2023.
During the same period, estimated customers totaled 6.03 million, reflecting a slight uptick of 0.53 percent from 6.00 million in Q2 2023. Year-on-year, estimated customers increased by 2.02 percent from 5.91 million in Q3 2022.
Revenue collected by distribution companies amounted to N260.16 billion in the third quarter of 2023, compared to N263.08 billion in the previous quarter. Notably, this represents a significant year-on-year increase of 28.40 percent from the N202.62 billion recorded in Q3 2022.
In terms of electricity supply, there was a decrease to 5,731.60 (Gwh) in Q3 2023 from 5,909.83 (Gwh) in the preceding quarter. However, year-on-year, electricity supply witnessed a notable increase of 14.09 percent compared to 5,023.96 (Gwh) reported in Q3 2022.