FCCPC Backs Lagos Crackdown On Estimated Electricity Billing

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has thrown its weight behind new consumer protection measures introduced by the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission aimed at ending estimated billing and improving accountability in the electricity sector.

The Commission specifically endorsed LASERC’s position in the 2025 Lagos Electricity Market Report, supporting the enforcement of existing legal provisions on electricity supply without meters, alongside the phased rollout of universal smart metering across Lagos State.

LASERC is currently implementing a broad reform programme to strengthen consumer protection and improve the performance of the state’s electricity market. The measures include phased enforcement of compulsory metering from 2026, feeder-by-feeder deployment of universal smart meters, tighter oversight of electricity distribution companies, improved complaint resolution standards, and sanctions against non-compliant operators.

Executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, described the initiative as a critical step towards improving billing transparency and restoring consumer confidence in Nigeria’s power sector.

According to Bello, estimated billing remains one of the biggest sources of consumer complaints within the electricity industry.

“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.

He stressed that electricity consumers must be protected from unfair or unverifiable billing practices, especially in situations where actual consumption 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,” Bello added.

The FCCPC boss also urged other state electricity regulators and subnational governments across the country to adopt similar reforms focused on consumer protection, metering expansion, improved service oversight, and reduction of disputes linked to estimated billing.

“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 stated.

He further called on electricity distribution companies and other market participants to cooperate fully with metering initiatives, consumer protection obligations, and service quality improvement measures introduced by regulatory authorities.

The FCCPC also referenced findings contained in the LASERC report relating to service delivery gaps, complaint resolution challenges, and electricity supply deficiencies affecting consumers in Lagos State.

According to the Commission, the findings underscore the urgent need for stronger consumer safeguards, sustained infrastructure investment, and continued improvements in electricity service delivery.

FCCPC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote fair market practices, transparency, accountability, and improved service standards across Nigeria’s electricity sector through sustained engagement with regulators and other stakeholders.