KEY POINTS
- FCCPC has praised Lagos State’s smart metering reforms aimed at ending estimated electricity billing.
- LASERC plans phased compulsory metering, smarter billing systems, and stricter oversight of electricity operators from 2026.
- FCCPC says improved metering will boost transparency, reduce disputes, and strengthen consumer confidence in Nigeria’s power sector.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has praised the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission, LASERC, for introducing consumer-focused electricity reforms aimed at eliminating estimated billing and improving transparency in the power sector.
The commendation followed LASERC’s 2025 Lagos Electricity Market Report, which outlined plans for stricter enforcement of metering regulations and the gradual rollout of universal smart metering across Lagos State.
According to a statement issued by the FCCPC’s Director of Public Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the reforms are expected to strengthen consumer protection, improve accountability among electricity distribution operators, and modernise electricity service delivery in Nigeria’s commercial hub.
As part of its electricity reform agenda, LASERC plans to begin phased compulsory metering from 2026, alongside feeder-by-feeder deployment of smart meters across the state. The initiative is also expected to improve monitoring of electricity usage, reduce billing disputes, and increase efficiency within the electricity market.
Other measures introduced by the regulator include stricter oversight of electricity distribution companies, improved complaint resolution systems, and enforcement actions against operators who fail to comply with service standards.
The FCCPC described the smart metering initiative as a major step towards addressing one of the biggest sources of consumer complaints in Nigeria’s power sector, estimated billing.
FCCPC Says Metering Will Improve Consumer Confidence
Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, said transparent metering systems are critical to ensuring fairness and accountability within the electricity market. He noted that estimated billing often exposes consumers to unfair and unverifiable charges, creating distrust between customers and electricity providers.
According to Bello, effective metering allows consumers to pay accurately for electricity consumed, reduces conflicts between customers and distribution companies, and strengthens confidence in the power sector.
He added that Lagos State’s approach could serve as a model for other states implementing electricity market reforms across the country.
The FCCPC urged other state electricity regulators and subnational governments to prioritise smart metering initiatives, transparent billing systems, and stronger consumer protection mechanisms as they reform their electricity markets.
The Commission also encouraged electricity distribution companies and other operators within the sector to fully comply with metering policies, service delivery standards, and regulatory directives aimed at improving electricity access and customer experience.
FCCPC further referenced findings from the LASERC report, which highlighted ongoing service delivery challenges, customer complaint issues, and infrastructure gaps within Lagos State’s electricity sector. According to the Commission, the report underscores the need for sustained investments, stronger regulatory oversight, and continuous improvements in electricity infrastructure nationwide.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to supporting reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and fair market practices across Nigeria’s electricity industry.
