How to Pay Electricity Bills via USSD
Electricity bills can be paid from a Nigerian bank account through USSD without using a banking application. This allows customers to purchase electricity tokens or make eligible electricity payments using a basic mobile phone.
The exact process depends on the bank and electricity distribution company. Customers should select the correct Disco, account type and meter information before confirming payment.
What You Need
- A bank account with USSD access.
- The phone number registered with the bank.
- Your meter number or required customer number.
- Enough money in your account.
- The correct electricity distribution company.
- Your USSD authentication details.
GTBank Electricity Payment
GTBank’s 737 service supports electricity bill payments. The bank publishes specific options for several electricity services, including Eko, Ibadan, Port Harcourt and Kano.
The bank’s USSD service can be accessed through the bills-payment menu:
*737*50#
Customers should select the appropriate electricity option and follow the prompts displayed by the system.
How to Pay Electricity Through USSD
- Dial your bank’s official USSD code.
- Select bill payment.
- Select electricity.
- Select the correct electricity distribution company.
- Select prepaid or postpaid where applicable.
- Enter the meter or customer number.
- Enter the amount.
- Confirm the information.
- Authenticate the transaction.
- Save the transaction reference or token.
Prepaid Electricity Payment
For prepaid customers, the transaction may generate a token that is entered into the electricity meter. Keep the token message until the value has successfully been loaded.
Do not delete the confirmation message immediately after payment.
Postpaid Electricity Payment
Postpaid customers may need to enter their customer or account number rather than a prepaid meter number. The exact fields depend on the electricity provider and bank.
Check the Meter Number
A wrong meter number can cause problems because the payment may be associated with a different customer. Always verify the number before confirming.
What If Your Account Is Debited?
If your bank account is debited but you do not receive the token or payment confirmation, avoid making repeated payments immediately. Keep the transaction reference and contact the bank through its official support channel.
Why Use USSD for Electricity Bills?
- No banking app is required.
- Mobile data is generally not required.
- It works on basic mobile phones.
- Payments can be made from the bank account.
- It can be useful when internet service is unavailable.
USSD Electricity Payment Safety
Only use the USSD code officially provided by your bank. Never give your banking PIN to an agent or stranger claiming to help with the payment.
Check the meter or customer number and payment amount before entering your authentication details.
GTBank Electricity Service Examples
GTBank currently publishes electricity USSD options including Eko, Ibadan, Port Harcourt and Kano services. The exact code varies by the electricity service selected, so customers should use the current menu rather than guessing a code from an old article.
What If USSD Is Not Working?
USSD can fail because of mobile network problems, bank system maintenance, an incorrect code, insufficient balance or other technical issues. Wait and retry if appropriate, but check your account first if you believe a transaction may already have gone through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay electricity without internet?
Yes. Bank USSD can be used for eligible electricity payments without mobile data.
Do I need a smartphone?
No. USSD works on compatible basic phones.
Can I pay another person’s electricity bill?
Availability depends on the bank’s bill-payment service.
What should I do with a prepaid token?
Keep the token and enter it into the appropriate meter according to the electricity provider’s instructions.
USSD electricity payment is a convenient alternative to banking apps. Always choose the correct electricity provider and account type, verify the meter or customer number and retain your payment confirmation until the transaction is complete.