The Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) is stepping up efforts to reshape the state’s electricity market, with stronger consumer protection, universal metering and tighter performance monitoring at the centre of its regulatory agenda.

According to the Commission, the reforms are aimed at creating a more reliable, competitive, transparent and sustainable electricity market for residents and businesses across Lagos State.

A major focus of LASERC’s agenda is the protection of electricity consumers, particularly through improved billing practices and the gradual elimination of estimated billing.

The Commission has also made universal metering a key priority, with plans to ensure that eligible electricity consumers are properly metered so they can pay only for the power they consume.

LASERC has also introduced stronger measures to hold electricity providers accountable for poor service delivery. The Commission monitors operators based on standards covering network reliability, hours of electricity supply, customer complaint resolution, metering performance, technical compliance, customer service and operational efficiency.

As part of the monitoring process, LASERC publishes performance fact sheets to provide greater transparency on the performance of electricity companies and service delivery across different areas of the state.

Poor-performing operators could face regulatory actions, including the downgrading of underperforming feeders and possible compensation for affected consumers.

The Commission is also looking to use technology, including artificial intelligence-enabled monitoring systems, to improve regulatory oversight, strengthen transparency and reduce technical, commercial and collection losses in the Lagos electricity market.

LASERC Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Temitope George, said the Commission’s long-term goal is to build a well-regulated and technology-driven electricity market that offers consumers fair treatment, transparent billing, improved service quality and better value for money.

The reform agenda is expected to deepen competition, attract investment and improve accountability as Lagos moves towards a more efficient and sustainable electricity market.

The reforms focus on stronger consumer protection, 100% metering, better service monitoring and tougher accountability for electricity providers.