How to Buy Electricity Tariff Online in Nigeria (A Simple Step-by-Step Guide)

Let me tell you one short but painful story.

Want to buy electricity units from your phone? Learn the easiest and safest ways to pay for power online in Nigeria using trusted apps and platforms.

It was a cool Friday evening. The whole fam gathered in the sitting room to watch a new episode of Akpan and Oduma on YouTube. Laughter was just about to start when—PHAA! NEPA did what NEPA does.

We were confused.

Checked the switch. Nothing. It wasn’t a general power outage. Turns out, the prepaid meter had entered voicemail. No more unit. And guess what? It was already night. Nowhere to buy electricity.

So, there we were, in darkness, till the next morning. And even then, we had to wait till about 10 to 12 noon to sort it out—hoping the network cooperated.

After that experience? I told myself, "Never again. I must learn how to buy electricity units online."

And that’s why I’m writing this blog—to help you avoid that kind of wahala.

What is Electricity Unit or Meter?

When you pay for electricity in Nigeria, you’re buying “units” which are stored in your prepaid meter. One unit is a portion of electricity you can consume—kind of like airtime on your phone.

The meter is a digital box installed in your home by your electricity company (called DisCo). When you buy electricity, you receive a 20-digit token. You enter the token into your meter, and boom—you get light.

Buying Electricity tariff in Nigeria: Is it possible online?

Yes. 100% possible.

Gone are the days you must trek to a PHCN office or recharge kiosk. These days, with just your phone, bank app, or laptop—you can buy electricity units anytime, even at 2am.

Most banks, fintech apps, and trusted websites allow you buy units in seconds. No stress, no queue.

Table of Contents (What You’ll Learn)

• Why you should buy electricity units online(Benefits of online vs traditional methods—speed, convenience, security)

• What you need before you buy electricity online(Meter number, smart card, mobile device, bank account, etc.)

• How to identify your electricity distribution company (DisCo)(Explains Abuja, Eko, Ikeja, PHED, BEDC, etc.)

• Step-by-step: How to buy electricity online in Nigeria(Detailed process for using bank apps, mobile wallets, and websites)

• Best platforms and apps to buy electricity in Nigeria(Detailed review of Buypower, Quickteller, IRecharge, and more)

• Common errors when buying electricity online and how to fix them(Wrong meter number, payment failure, token delay, etc.)

• FAQs about buying electricity online in Nigeria(Answered: bank charges, prepaid vs postpaid, token not received)

• Final verdict: Is it safe and smart to buy electricity online in Nigeria?(Our opinion and experience-based summary)

Why You Should Buy Electricity Units Online

Buying electricity units online saves you time, stress, and even money.

With online platforms, you can top up anytime—no need to worry about whether the recharge shop is open, or if the NEPA office is on strike. You also get instant access to your token and don’t need to worry about misplacing paper receipts.

And since many of these platforms save your meter number for next time, future purchases take less than a minute.

What you need before you buy electricity online

Here’s a short checklist:

• Meter Number: Usually found on your meter display or smart card.

• Electricity Distribution Company (DisCo): You need to know which one services your area.

• Bank account or card: For payment.

• Smartphone or laptop: You’ll need this to access the platform.

• Stable internet connection

With these, you’re good to go.

How to identify your electricity distribution company (DisCo)

Nigeria has different DisCos, depending on your location. Here are the main ones:

• Ikeja Electric – Lagos mainland

• Eko Electric – Lagos Island and parts of Ogun

• Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) – Abuja, Kogi, Niger, Nassarawa

• Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) – Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Benue

• Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) – Edo, Delta, Ondo, Ekiti

• Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) – Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom

• Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) – South-East

• Kaduna Electricity Distribution Plc (KEDC) – Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara

Look at your last receipt or check your meter sticker to confirm which one you fall under.

Step-by-step: How to buy electricity online in Nigeria

There are three main ways:

1. Using Bank Mobile Apps

• Open your bank app

• Navigate to ‘Bills Payment’ or ‘Electricity’

• Select your DisCo

• Enter your meter number and the amount

• Choose your account/card to debit

• Confirm and wait for your token via SMS or email

2. Using Electricity Websites like Buypower or IRecharge

• Visit the website (e.g., buypower.ng)

• Select your DisCo and meter type (prepaid or postpaid)

• Enter your meter number and amount

• Proceed to payment

• Token is shown immediately and sent to your email

3. Using Payment Apps like Quickteller or Opay

• Open the app

• Tap on “Electricity” or “Bills”

• Fill in your details

• Confirm and pay

• Receive token in-app and via SMS/email

Best platforms and apps to buy electricity in Nigeria

Here are reliable apps and websites you can use:

1. Buypower.ng: Very user-friendly and supports all major DisCos. Tokens are delivered instantly.

2. Quickteller: Popular and integrated into many banking apps. Has a small service charge.

3. IRecharge.ng: Great for bulk purchase, supports cable and airtime too.

4. JumiaPay: Known mostly for shopping, but also lets you pay electricity bills and more.

5. Opay App: Fast-growing fintech app with electricity payment, airtime, betting, and transfers.

Common errors when buying electricity online and how to fix them

• Wrong meter number: Double-check it before you pay. If wrong, contact customer care.

• Payment deducted, no token: Wait a few minutes. Still nothing? Reach out to the platform's support with your transaction ID.

• Token not accepted by meter: Check that you're entering the 20-digit code correctly. Some older meters need you to press the ‘Enter’ button.

• Buying postpaid token for a prepaid meter: Always confirm the meter type before payment.

FAQs about buying electricity online in Nigeria

Q: Are there extra charges when buying online?

A: Yes, most platforms charge a small service fee (₦50–₦100).

Q: What if I don’t receive my token?

A: Contact the platform’s customer care. They can resend it to your email/SMS.

Q: Can I buy for someone else?

A: Yes, as long as you have their correct meter number and DisCo.

Q: Is online electricity purchase available 24/7?

A: Yes. That’s the beauty of it.

Q: Are these platforms safe?

A: The major ones (Buypower, Quickteller, IRecharge, etc.) use secure payment channels.

Final verdict: Is it safe and smart to buy electricity online in Nigeria?

Absolutely yes.

Online purchase of electricity units is one of the smartest digital upgrades available in Nigeria today. It’s fast, reliable, convenient, and helps you avoid stories that touch—like watching Akpan and Oduma halfway and ending up in darkness.

Just make sure you use a trusted platform, double-check your meter number, and keep your token safe.

Light no go cut again.

—

Written by Simon Taki Zaku (Cephas), founder of IbiFoundry.

Featured in The Guardian, Techpoint Africa, TechCabal, and Legit.ng.

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