NEWS
Lagos Bars Electricity Firms from Recovering Bills Older Than One Year
The Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) has reinforced consumer protection in the state’s electricity sector by directing electricity supply licensees to stop recovering unpaid electricity charges that are more than 12 months old from consumers, except in clearly defined circumstances.
The directive, issued through a consumer awareness campaign on the commission’s official social media platforms, forms part of LASERC’s ongoing efforts to educate electricity consumers on their rights under the Lagos State electricity regulatory framework and promote fairness in electricity billing.
Under the new consumer protection guideline, electricity distribution companies operating in Lagos are prohibited from demanding payment for electricity charges dating beyond one year. The commission clarified that any attempt to recover bills older than 12 months is unlawful, giving consumers the legal backing to challenge such demands.
However, LASERC explained that the restriction does not apply where there is evidence of meter tampering, illegal electricity connections, or deliberate obstruction of meter reading. In such cases, electricity companies retain the right to recover outstanding charges beyond the one-year limit.
The directive is expected to provide significant relief to millions of electricity consumers across Lagos who have repeatedly complained about excessive and arbitrary back-billing practices by distribution companies. Many consumers have received estimated bills covering several years of electricity consumption, resulting in unexpectedly high financial obligations and frequent disputes with service providers.
Over the years, several consumers have also reported facing threats of disconnection and other forms of pressure over disputed back-bills, often without being aware of the legal protections available to them. Through its latest awareness campaign, LASERC aims to bridge that knowledge gap by empowering consumers to understand and assert their rights.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that electricity providers and consumers operate within the provisions of the state’s regulatory framework, stressing that compliance with established rules is essential for a transparent and accountable electricity market.
Consumers who receive bills covering charges older than 12 months, provided they are not involved in meter tampering, illegal electricity use, or obstruction of meter reading, are encouraged to dispute such bills and report the matter to LASERC for investigation and resolution.
The commission also advised residents to utilise its official communication channels, including its social media platforms, to lodge complaints, seek clarification, and obtain guidance on electricity-related disputes.
The latest directive has been welcomed by energy sector stakeholders and consumer rights advocates, who describe it as a major step towards strengthening accountability, protecting consumers from unlawful billing practices, and improving public confidence in Lagos State’s electricity regulatory system.
As Lagos continues to operate its independent electricity regulatory framework, LASERC’s consumer-focused approach is being viewed as a model that could inspire similar reforms and strengthen consumer protection across Nigeria’s evolving electricity sector.