FCCPC Hails Lagos Crackdown on Estimated Billing, Pushes Nationwide Metering Reforms

By Ifeyinwa Ike

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has praised the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) for consumer-centric reforms targeting the end of estimated billing in the Lagos electricity market.

FCCPC specifically endorsed LASERC’s stance in the 2025 Lagos Electricity Market Report, which backs enforcing laws on unmetered supply and rolling out universal smart metering statewide in phases.

LASERC’s wider reform drive aims to bolster consumer protection and market efficiency.

Key steps include mandatory metering enforcement starting 2026, feeder-by-feeder smart meter deployment, stricter Disco oversight, upgraded complaint handling, and penalties for non-compliance.

FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, called the moves a vital advance for billing transparency and sector trust.

“Estimated billing is a top source of power sector complaints. Accelerating metering and transparency is key to consumer protection and market accountability,” Bello said.

He insisted consumers deserve safeguards against unfair, unverified bills, especially without accurate measurement.

“Effective metering ensures market fairness, precise billing, fewer disputes, better accountability, and stronger consumer confidence,” he added.

Bello urged other state regulators and governments to mirror Lagos by speeding metering, enhancing oversight, and curbing estimated billing disputes.

“Lagos is leading on consumer protection and accountability. Other states with electricity reforms should prioritise transparent metering, robust complaint systems, and clear standards to build trust and service quality,” he stated.

He pressed Discos and market players to fully back metering drives, consumer duties, and regulatory service upgrades.

FCCPC highlighted LASERC report insights on service shortfalls, complaint handling, and supply issues in Lagos, underscoring needs for tougher safeguards, infrastructure boosts, and service gains.

The Commission recommitted to fair practices, transparency, accountability, and standards in Nigeria’s power sector through ongoing regulator and stakeholder ties.