FCCPC backs Lagos electricity reforms to eliminate estimated billing

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commended the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) for introducing consumer-focused reforms aimed at ending estimated billing and improving transparency in the electricity sector.

In a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, the Commission lauded LASERC’s position in the 2025 Lagos Electricity Market Report, particularly its support for enforcing legal provisions relating to electricity supply without meters and the phased rollout of universal smart metering across Lagos State.

According to the statement, LASERC’s reform programme is designed to strengthen consumer protection and improve electricity market performance in the state.

The measures include compulsory metering from 2026, feeder-by-feeder deployment of smart meters, stricter oversight of electricity distribution companies, improved complaint resolution standards, and sanctions for non-compliant operators.

Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, described the initiative as a major step toward enhancing billing transparency and rebuilding consumer confidence in the power sector.

“Estimated billing remains one of the leading sources of consumer complaints within Nigeria’s power sector. Measures that accelerate metering and improve billing transparency are important to consumer protection and overall market accountability,” Bello stated.

He stressed that consumers must be protected from unfair and unverifiable billing practices, especially where electricity usage cannot be accurately measured.

“Effective metering promotes fairness within the electricity market. It supports accurate billing, reduces disputes, improves accountability, and gives consumers greater confidence in the system,” he added.

Bello also urged other state electricity regulators and subnational governments to adopt similar reforms focused on consumer protection, improved service oversight, and accelerated metering.

“Lagos has taken an important step towards improving consumer protection and accountability within the electricity sector. Other states implementing electricity market reforms should also prioritise transparent metering frameworks, effective complaint resolution systems, and clear service standards that strengthen consumer confidence and support better service delivery across the sector,” he said.

The FCCPC further called on electricity distribution companies and other stakeholders in the power sector to cooperate fully with metering initiatives and service quality improvement measures introduced by regulatory authorities.

The Commission also referenced findings in the LASERC report highlighting service delivery gaps, electricity supply challenges, and complaint resolution issues within Lagos State, noting that the findings underscored the need for stronger consumer safeguards and sustained investment in electricity infrastructure.

FCCPC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, fair market practices, and improved service delivery in Nigeria’s electricity sector through continuous engagement with regulators and industry stakeholders.