The Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) has directed electricity distribution companies and other electricity supply licensees in the state not to recover electricity charges that are more than 12 months old, except in cases involving meter tampering, illegal electricity use, or obstruction of meter reading.

The commission made this known in a consumer awareness message published on its official social media platforms, citing Paragraph 35(1)–(2) of the Retail Electricity Supply Code. LASERC urged consumers to know their rights, stressing that they should not be compelled to pay bills older than one year unless the exceptions apply.

The directive comes amid persistent complaints from consumers over back-billing and the recovery of long-outstanding electricity charges by distribution companies. LASERC, which assumed regulatory oversight of the electricity sector in Lagos under the Electricity Act 2023, said it remains committed to protecting consumers while ensuring a sustainable electricity market in the state.