FCCPC  Supports Crackdown on Estimated Billings,  Drives  Smart Meter Rollout

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has backed sweeping electricity billing reforms introduced by the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission, LASERC, aimed at ending estimated billing and accelerating the rollout of smart meters across Lagos State.

The Commission described the reforms as a major step toward improving billing transparency, strengthening consumer protection and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s electricity market.

In a statement, the FCCPC specifically endorsed LASERC’s position in its 2025 Lagos Electricity Market Report supporting strict enforcement of legal provisions against electricity supply without meters, alongside phased universal smart metering across the state beginning from 2026.

The Lagos electricity regulator is also pursuing broader reforms including feeder-by-feeder deployment of smart meters, tighter oversight of distribution companies, improved complaint resolution standards and sanctions against non-compliant operators.

Reacting to the initiative, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, said estimated billing remained one of the biggest sources of consumer frustration in the 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 stated.

He stressed that electricity consumers must be protected from arbitrary and unverifiable billing practices, especially where actual energy consumption cannot be properly measured.Power sector update.

“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 further urged other state electricity regulators and subnational governments implementing power sector reforms to adopt similar consumer-focused measures aimed at improving transparency and service delivery.

“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 said.

The FCCPC also called on electricity distribution companies and market operators to cooperate fully with ongoing metering initiatives and comply with consumer protection obligations introduced by regulators.

According to the Commission, findings contained in the LASERC report regarding service delivery gaps, complaint resolution performance and electricity supply challenges further underscore the need for stronger consumer safeguards and sustained infrastructure investment in the sector.

FCCPC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting reforms that promote transparency, accountability and fair market practices across Nigeria’s electricity industry through continued collaboration with regulators and stakeholders.