FCCPC Supports LASERC’s Initiatives to Reform Electricity Billing in Lagos
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has endorsed the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (LASERC) recent measures aimed at reducing estimated electricity bills and enhancing consumer protection within the state’s power sector.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the FCCPC praised LASERC’s position expressed in the 2025 Lagos Electricity Market Report. The report advocates for stricter enforcement related to unmetered electricity supply and the gradual implementation of universal smart meters across Lagos State.
LASERC is currently implementing reforms designed to enhance billing transparency, service delivery, and consumer protection in the local electricity market. Key initiatives include compulsory meter reading starting in 2026, the introduction of smart meters across all feeders, strengthened oversight of electricity distribution companies, improved grievance resolution processes, and penalties for non-compliant entities.
Mr. Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of FCCPC, emphasized that these reforms are crucial in addressing one of the most pressing concerns faced by electricity consumers in Nigeria. He pointed out that estimated billing is a primary cause of complaints among consumers in the power sector.
Bello noted, “Accelerating metering and enhancing billing transparency are vital steps toward better consumer protection and overall accountability in the market.” The widespread practice of estimating bills based on projected energy consumption, rather than actual usage recorded through prepaid or smart meters, has historically led to disputes between electricity distribution companies and consumers.
Across many households and businesses, there have been repeated accusations against electricity distribution companies for arbitrary billing practices, excessive charges, and a severe lack of accountability, particularly in areas suffering from unreliable electricity supply. Bello stated that consumers should not have to endure unfair or unverifiable billing practices, especially when their electricity consumption cannot be precisely measured.
He added, “Effective metering fosters fairness within electricity markets. It enables accurate billing, reduces the potential for disputes, enhances accountability, and instills greater confidence among consumers in the system.” The FCCPC has also called upon electricity regulators and local governments in other states pursuing electricity market reforms to implement similar consumer-oriented strategies.
By focusing on transparent metering systems, improved complaint resolution, and stronger service standards, the FCCPC believes that the ongoing reforms are crucial for rebuilding consumer trust and enhancing electricity service delivery throughout the country. The agency further urged electricity distribution companies and other stakeholders to fully engage with the metering programs and quality of service reforms being introduced by the regulator.
The findings outlined in the LASERC report emphasize persistent gaps in service delivery, consumer complaints, and issues surrounding power supply that impact Lagos residents. The FCCPC identified the pressing need for stronger consumer protection, continuous investment in infrastructure, and enhanced operational accountability within the power sector. It reiterated its commitment to supporting reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and consumer protection across Nigeria’s electricity market, through continued collaboration with regulators and industry stakeholders.
