LASERC bars recovery of electricity bills beyond one year

The Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission has said electricity supply licensees cannot recover charges that are more than 12 months old.

The commission disclosed this in a consumer awareness message published on its official social media platform as part of efforts to enlighten electricity consumers on their rights.

According to LASERC, consumers should not be made to pay charges older than 12 months except in cases involving meter tampering, illegal use of electricity, or obstruction of meter reading.

“Electricity supply licensees cannot recover charges older than 12 months, except in cases of meter tampering, illegal use, and obstruction of meter reading,” LASERC said.

LASERC also referenced the provisions of the Retail Electricity Supply Code, noting that the restriction on the recovery of old charges is contained in Paragraph 35(1)–(2) of the code.

The commission’s position comes amid growing concerns by electricity consumers over back-billing and the recovery of old electricity charges by distribution companies.

The disclosure by the regulator is an even bigger eye-opener for many customers who are still battling bills dating back years, except in cases involving meter tampering, illegal use of electricity, and obstruction of meter reading.

LASERC took over electricity regulation in the state from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023.

The commission has said it would not allow electricity subsidies in the state, insisting that operators must recover their costs.

According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Abiodun Ogunleye, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is committed to the removal of electricity subsidies in Lagos.

Ogunleye said consumers in the state would pay the real cost of electricity as directed by Sanwo-Olu. Unless the governor changes his position, Ogunleye insisted that there is no power subsidy in Lagos.

Speaking at the maiden stakeholders’ forum organised by LASERC in Ikeja, Ogunleye said every operator in the Lagos electricity value chain must be paid, adding that LASERC is working with federal authorities to determine the gas-to-power price for Lagos producers.

“Everybody who contributes to every kilowatt that we are receiving, whether it’s renewable or whatever, must get paid. We are not carrying anything over. Lagos is saying it repeatedly: Mr Governor’s mandate is that there is no subsidy in Lagos. If he calls me tomorrow and says he wants to change his mind, I will still convey that again. But as of today, there is no subsidy in Lagos,” he emphasised.

The commission has also disclosed plans to end the controversial electricity tariff band classification.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of LASERC, Mrs Temitope George, stressed the need for appropriate pricing. George added that Lagos was targeting a 24-hour power supply across the state with 100 per cent metering, reiterating LASERC’s vision of becoming a leading electricity regulator by facilitating sustainable electricity development and improving the quality of life of residents.

She added that the commission remained committed to setting and enforcing standards, safeguarding consumers, enabling investments, supporting innovation, and promoting clean energy solutions across the state.

As part of efforts to strengthen consumer protection, George disclosed that LASERC was establishing zonal offices in the Ikorodu, Amuwo-Odofin/Badagry, and Sangotedo/Epe axes to improve complaint resolution and enhance access to regulatory services.

“The offices are expected to become operational in the third quarter of the year,” she said.