LASERC Clarifies 12-Month Billing Rule on Debts

The Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) issued a statement clarifying that its proposed 12-month billing rule does not cancel existing electricity debts. This clarification followed reports suggesting that consumers would not need to pay bills older than one year.

LASERC emphasized that the proposed Retail Electricity Supply Code aims to ensure that electricity suppliers issue bills within a reasonable timeframe after consumption. The rule will only apply once the new Code is in effect, and all debts accumulated prior to this remain valid and payable.

Temitope George, Chief Executive Officer of LASERC, stated that the reforms are designed to enhance accountability between electricity suppliers and consumers while ensuring that customers remain responsible for their electricity consumption. The proposed rule limits back billing to 12 months, creating an incentive for distribution licensees to issue timely bills.

Additionally, LASERC reiterated that distribution licensees must meter all eligible consumers within the timelines set by the regulator.