The Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) has said electricity supply licensees cannot recover unpaid electricity charges that are more than 12 months old, except in cases involving meter tampering, illegal electricity use or obstruction of meter reading.
The commission disclosed this in a consumer awareness message published on its official social media platforms as part of efforts to educate electricity consumers on their rights under Lagos' electricity regulatory framework.
According to LASERC, electricity customers are protected from being compelled to pay historical charges beyond the 12-month limit in most circumstances.
"Electricity supply licensees cannot recover charges older than 12 months, except in cases of meter tampering, illegal use, and obstruction of meter reading," the commission stated.
The regulator urged consumers to familiarise themselves with their rights, adding that the provision is contained in Paragraph 35(1) and (2) of the Retail Electricity Supply Code.
The clarification comes amid persistent complaints by electricity consumers over back-billing and attempts by some distribution companies to recover charges dating back several years.
LASERC assumed responsibility for electricity regulation in Lagos State following the transfer of regulatory powers from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) under the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023.
The commission has also maintained that electricity consumers in Lagos will pay the full cost of electricity, insisting that subsidies will not be implemented in the state's electricity market.
Speaking at LASERC's maiden stakeholders' forum in Ikeja, the Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Abiodun Ogunleye, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had directed that electricity tariffs in the state should reflect the actual cost of supply.
"Everybody who contributes to every kilowatt that we are receiving, whether it's renewable or whatever, must get paid. Lagos is saying it repeatedly: Mr Governor's mandate is that there is no subsidy in Lagos," Ogunleye said.
The commission also disclosed plans to phase out the current electricity tariff band classification as part of broader reforms aimed at improving electricity service delivery.
Earlier, LASERC Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Temitope George, said the commission was working toward achieving 24-hour electricity supply across Lagos with 100 percent metering.
She said LASERC remains committed to protecting electricity consumers, encouraging investment, promoting innovation and supporting clean energy development across the state.
George also announced plans to establish zonal offices in Ikorodu, Amuwo-Odofin/Badagry and Sangotedo/Epe to improve complaint resolution and expand access to regulatory services.
According to her, the new offices are expected to become operational in the third quarter of the year.
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