The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has thrown its weight behind the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) over new reforms targeted at ending estimated billing and improving consumer protection in the state’s electricity market.
The Commission specifically commended LASERC’s position in its 2025 Lagos Electricity Market Report, which supports the enforcement of existing legal provisions against electricity supply without meters, alongside a phased rollout of universal smart metering across Lagos.
The reforms form part of LASERC’s broader strategy to strengthen accountability in the power sector and improve service delivery to electricity consumers. Key measures include compulsory metering from 2026, feeder-by-feeder deployment of smart meters, tighter monitoring of electricity distribution companies, stronger complaint resolution mechanisms, and sanctions for non-compliant operators.
Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, described the reforms as a critical intervention in addressing one of the biggest sources of consumer dissatisfaction in Nigeria’s power sector.
According to Bello, estimated billing has remained a major trigger for disputes between consumers and electricity providers, making accelerated metering and billing transparency essential for restoring confidence in the 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,” he said.
Bello stressed that consumers deserve protection from unfair and unverifiable billing practices, especially where electricity consumption cannot be accurately measured.
He noted that effective metering promotes fairness, reduces billing disputes, improves operational accountability, and gives consumers greater confidence in the electricity system.
The FCCPC boss also urged other state electricity regulators and subnational governments implementing electricity market reforms to adopt similar consumer-focused measures aimed at accelerating metering, strengthening service oversight, and reducing conflicts linked to estimated billing.
“Lagos has taken an important step towards improving consumer protection and accountability within the electricity sector. Other states should prioritise transparent metering frameworks, effective complaint resolution systems, and clear service standards that support better service delivery,” Bello added.
The Commission further called on electricity distribution companies and other market operators to cooperate fully with metering initiatives and comply with regulatory requirements designed to improve service quality.
FCCPC also referenced findings from the LASERC report highlighting persistent service delivery gaps, complaint resolution challenges, and electricity supply issues in Lagos, stressing that these underscore the need for stronger consumer safeguards and sustained infrastructure investment.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting fair market practices, transparency, accountability, and improved service standards across Nigeria’s electricity sector through continued engagement with regulators and other stakeholders.
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