LASERC Clarifies 12 Month Billing Limit Will Not Cancel Existing Electricity Debts In Lagos

LASERC Clarifies 12 Month Billing Limit Will Not Cancel Existing Electricity Debts In Lagos

The Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission has dismissed reports suggesting that electricity consumers in Lagos will no longer be liable for bills older than 12 months.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, LASERC said the information circulating on social media and in some media platforms misrepresented provisions of its proposed Retail Electricity Supply Code.

The commission stated that the draft Code does not provide for the cancellation of outstanding electricity debts. Instead, it seeks to regulate the period within which distribution companies are permitted to issue bills to customers.

LASERC explained that the new provision will only take effect once the Code becomes operational. It stressed that all debts accumulated prior to that date remain valid and must be settled in line with existing laws and contractual obligations.

“Outstanding historical debts must still be settled,” the commission said. “The provision will only apply prospectively, after the Code comes into effect.”

It added that any bill issued within the timeframe stipulated in the new Code will remain enforceable and recoverable.

LASERC Chief Executive Officer, Temitope George, said the proposed framework is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regulation and improve service delivery in the state’s electricity market.

The commission also reiterated that distribution companies are required to meter all eligible customers within timelines prescribed by the regulator.

LASERC noted that the reforms are aimed at promoting a safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity market across Lagos State.