FCCPC Commends Lagos Over Crackdown on Estimated Electricity Billing

Lagos Electricity Reforms Gain FCCPC Backing as Smart Meter Rollout Begins
FCCPC Supports LASERC Measures to End Estimated Billing in Lagos

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has praised the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) for introducing consumer-focused reforms aimed at tackling estimated billing in the Lagos electricity market.

The Commission specifically endorsed LASERC’s stance in the 2025 Lagos Electricity Market Report, which supports the enforcement of existing laws concerning electricity supply without meters, as well as the phased implementation of universal smart metering across Lagos State.
LASERC is currently implementing a wide-ranging reform programme designed to enhance consumer protection and improve the performance of the electricity market in Lagos. The reforms include the phased enforcement of mandatory metering from 2026, feeder-by-feeder deployment of universal smart meters, stricter supervision of distribution companies, improved complaint resolution mechanisms, and sanctions against operators that fail to comply with regulations.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, described the initiative as a significant move toward strengthening billing transparency and boosting consumer confidence in the power sector.
According to Bello, estimated billing remains one of the major sources of complaints from electricity consumers in Nigeria, adding that efforts aimed at accelerating metering and improving transparency are vital for consumer protection and accountability within the sector.
He noted that consumers must be safeguarded against unfair or unverifiable billing practices, especially in situations where electricity usage cannot be properly measured.
Bello further stated that effective metering promotes fairness in the electricity market by ensuring accurate billing, reducing disputes, improving accountability, and giving consumers more confidence in the system.
He also encouraged other state electricity regulators and subnational governments to embrace similar consumer-oriented reforms in order to speed up metering, strengthen service oversight, and minimise disputes arising from estimated billing.
According to him, Lagos has taken an important step in enhancing consumer protection and accountability within the electricity sector, while urging other states carrying out electricity market reforms to prioritise transparent metering systems, effective complaint resolution processes, and clear service standards that will improve service delivery and consumer confidence.
Bello further called on electricity distribution companies and other stakeholders in the market to fully support metering programmes, consumer protection responsibilities, and measures introduced by relevant regulatory authorities to improve service quality.
The FCCPC also highlighted findings from the LASERC report relating to service delivery gaps, complaint resolution challenges, and electricity supply issues affecting Lagos State. The Commission said the findings further emphasise the need for stronger consumer protection measures, sustained investment in infrastructure, and continuous improvements in service delivery.
FCCPC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that encourage fairness, transparency, accountability, and better service standards in Nigeria’s electricity sector through continued collaboration with regulators and other stakeholders.