The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has backed the Lagos State Government’s efforts to eliminate estimated electricity billing, describing the initiative as a major step toward protecting consumers and improving transparency in Nigeria’s power sector.

The commission expressed support for reforms introduced by the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC), which are aimed at accelerating smart meter deployment and ending arbitrary billing practices across the state.

Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, said estimated billing has remained one of the biggest challenges facing electricity consumers in Nigeria, leading to persistent complaints over excessive and inaccurate charges.

Bello noted that the Lagos reform model would help restore consumer confidence, improve accountability among electricity distribution companies and ensure customers pay only for energy consumed.

According to him, compulsory metering and stricter enforcement measures are necessary to eliminate exploitative practices in the electricity market. The FCCPC also urged other states and electricity regulators across the country to adopt similar reforms to strengthen consumer protection and improve service delivery nationwide.

Under the Lagos electricity reform framework, authorities plan to enforce phased metering programmes beginning in 2026, alongside feeder-by-feeder deployment of smart meters and tougher sanctions against operators that violate regulatory standards.

The commission further called on electricity distribution companies to cooperate with regulators and invest more in infrastructure to improve electricity supply and customer satisfaction. The development comes amid growing public concerns over high electricity tariffs, poor power supply and widespread complaints about estimated billing in several parts of the country.

Industry stakeholders say wider adoption of smart metering could reduce disputes between consumers and electricity providers while boosting transparency and efficiency in the power sector.