Lagos Electricity Consumers: Know Your Metering, Billing and Disconnection Rights
By Sherif Salau
Electricity consumers in Lagos have been reminded of their protected rights on metering, billing and disconnection as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) continues efforts to improve transparency and accountability in the power sector.
According to NERC guidelines and a recent consumer factsheet, every customer is entitled to a properly installed and functional meter. Faulty meters must be repaired or replaced within 48 hours of being reported to the distribution company. New connections are required to be metered before supply is activated, and meters provided under certain government or Meter Asset Provider schemes are either free or reimbursed through energy credits that cannot be offset against existing debts.
On billing, customers have the right to transparent and accurate charges. Unmetered customers should receive estimated bills strictly in line with NERC’s approved methodology and capped limits. Any customer who disputes a bill may contest it; while the dispute is being resolved, an unmetered customer is only required to pay the last undisputed amount. Overbilling must be corrected and refunded, usually through credits on subsequent bills.
Disconnection rules are equally clear. Distribution companies must give written notice before disconnecting supply for non-payment. Customers are generally allowed at least ten days from the date a bill is delivered to make payment, with a further minimum of two working days after the payment deadline before disconnection can occur. Wrongful disconnection entitles the customer to energy credits equivalent to their average daily consumption over three months for every day they remain without supply. Reconnection fees cannot be charged when the disconnection itself was improper, and supply must be restored promptly once outstanding legitimate issues are resolved.
Exceptions exist for illegal connections, safety hazards or situations where access to a meter is repeatedly denied; in such cases, disconnection may proceed without prior notice. Customers who relocate are advised to request a final bill and settle any outstanding balance before moving.
Lagos residents served by Ikeja Electric or Eko Electricity Distribution Company are encouraged to keep records of bills, meter readings and communications with their DisCo. Unresolved complaints can be escalated first to the DisCo’s customer care unit, then to the relevant NERC Forum Office, and ultimately to the Commission itself.
Knowing and asserting these rights helps protect consumers from unfair practices while supporting a more accountable electricity market.
