Electricity suppliers can't recover bills older than one year, Lagos regulator says

The Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) has issued a directive that electricity supply licensees are prohibited from recovering charges older than 12 months. This new consumer protection measure, announced via the commission's social media, aims to enlighten electricity consumers about their rights and protections under the regulatory framework.

“

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

LASERC clarified that exceptions to this rule exist only in cases involving meter tampering, illegal use of electricity, or obstruction of meter reading. The commission referenced the Retail Electricity Supply Code, specifically Paragraph 35(1)–(2), which outlines this restriction. This disclosure addresses widespread consumer concerns regarding back-billing and the recovery of old electricity charges by distribution companies.

“

Stay informed, stay protected.

The commission's stance is particularly significant as Lagos State transitions its electricity regulation to LASERC from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, following the Electricity Act 2023. The state, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is committed to removing electricity subsidies, according to the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Abiodun Ogunleye. Ogunleye emphasized that operators must recover their costs and that consumers will pay the real cost of electricity, with no subsidies in Lagos.

“

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 co