LASCOPA Warns DISCOs Against Illegal Billing, Exhobitant Charging Of Electricity Users In Lagos State
By Raheem Ibrahim
Succor will soon come to energy consumers Lagos as the State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) warned Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to ensure full transparency and strict adherence to regulatory guidelines regarding metering, billing, and consumer classification into billing bands.
In the efforts to protect energy users in the State over illegal billing and overcharging, the LASCOPA has expressed its support for recent directives from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to uphold consumer rights and fairness in the electricity sector.
According to a statement signed by the General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, Esq., the Agency called on Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) operating within the State “to ensure full transparency and strict adherence to regulatory guidelines regarding metering, billing, and consumer classification into billing bands”.
Reacting to reports of unauthorised costs being transferred to consumers and cases where consumers with functional meters have been pressured into costly replacement, he insisted, “These practices violate the NERC Meter Asset Provider and National Mass Metering Regulations 2021, which clearly state that the cost of meter replacements should not be passed on to consumers”.
“We are particularly troubled by cases where customers are placed on estimated billing during meter replacement delays, leading to unnecessary financial burdens in clear defiance of NERC’s prohibition on estimated billing for unmetered consumers.
“LASCOPA is committed to ensuring compliance with these regulations and safeguarding Lagos residents from arbitrary charges and unfair billing practices”, Mr. Solebo said.
The GM declared, “LASCOPA is directing DISCOs within the state to suspend all consumer-funded meter replacements, the cost of meter replacements must be fully absorbed by DISCOs, as stipulated by NERC regulations”.
Solebo advocated strict adherence to NERC guidelines for the inspection, documentation, and replacement of faulty or obsolete meters, including the provision of detailed information on the identified fault, inspection date, inspecting officer’s credentials, and replacement schedule in any notice issued to consumers.
He insisted that consumers must not be subjected to estimated billing due to delays in meter replacement, stressing that meters should be promptly installed whenever faulty or obsolete meters are removed.
The GM who also called for transparency on the part of DISCOs when engaging with consumers, said “Any announcement regarding meter replacement must clarify all details, including consumer liability, to prevent unwarranted anxiety and confusion”.
Mr. Solebo who reaffirmed LASCOPA’s commitment to holding DISCOs accountable also urged all electricity consumers in Lagos State to report cases of non-compliance directly to the Agency.
He remarked, “We appreciate the cooperation of NERC and NEMSA in building a transparent, consumer-focused electricity sector and reiterate our dedication to enforcing all relevant consumer protection laws”.
