The government agency in charge of protecting shoppers, the FCCPC, is backing a new plan to end “estimated billing” in Lagos. This plan aims to make sure every home and business pays only for the electricity they actually use.
For years, many Nigerians have complained about getting high electricity bills that don’t match how much power they used. This new move is designed to stop that for good.
The Plan: Meters for Everyone
The Lagos State electricity agency has a new roadmap to fix the power market. The FCCPC is fully behind this strategy, which focuses on smart meters.
What the new plan looks like:
• Mandatory Meters: Starting in 2026, it will be a rule that every building must have a meter.
• Area-by-Area Fixing: Instead of picking random houses, the government will install meters area by area. This makes it easier to track the power flow in every neighborhood.
• Smart Technology: The new meters will show exactly how much power you use in real-time. No more guessing by the electricity companies.
Why This Matters to You
The head of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, explained that “estimated billing” is the biggest thing people complain about. He says the current system is unfair because it isn’t transparent.
Key Benefits:
1. Fair Pricing: You only pay for what you use. If your lights are off, your bill doesn’t go up.
2. No More Arguments: With a meter, there is clear proof of your power usage, so you don’t have to argue with the power company over a “guessed” bill.
3. Better Service: When the power companies have to be honest about billing, they are more likely to focus on giving you better electricity.
What Happens Next?
The FCCPC isn’t just talking; they want the power companies (DisCos) to be held accountable. Companies that refuse to give out meters or continue to send unfair bills could face heavy fines.
The agency also hopes that other states in Nigeria will follow the “Lagos Model.” If this works in Lagos, it could be the start of a much fairer electricity system for the whole country.
For Lagosians, the message is clear: the era of “guesswork” billing is nearing its end. By backing the June 2026 compulsory metering drive, the FCCPC is signaling that the days of supplying electricity without a meter are numbered, paving the way for a more reliable, HD-quality power market.
