FCCPC Backs Lagos’ Move To End Estimated Electricity Billing

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission( FCCPC), has backed recent consumer protection reforms introduced by the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission aimed at ending estimated billing and improving transparency in the electricity sector.

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

LASERC is implementing a broad reform programme targeted at strengthening consumer protection and improving electricity market performance in the state. The measures include phased enforcement of compulsory metering from 2026, feeder-by-feeder deployment of universal smart meters, tighter oversight of 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 major step towards improving billing transparency and restoring consumer confidence in Nigeria’s 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 said.

He noted that consumers should be protected from unfair or unverifiable billing practices, particularly where electricity 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,” he added.

Bello also urged other state electricity regulators and subnational governments to adopt similar consumer-focused reforms to accelerate metering, strengthen service oversight, and reduce disputes associated with 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 cited findings in the LASERC report relating to service delivery gaps, complaint resolution performance, and electricity supply challenges affecting Lagos State, saying the findings reinforced the need for stronger consumer safeguards, sustained infrastructure investment, and continued improvements in service delivery.

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