The Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission has clarified that its proposed 12-month billing rule does not cancel existing electricity debts, dismissing reports suggesting that consumers will no longer be required to pay bills older than one year.
As reported by Nairametrics on Wednesday, the clarification was contained in a statement issued by the commission on Tuesday.
LASERC said recent media reports had misinterpreted provisions of its proposed Retail Electricity Supply Code, creating the false impression that electricity debts older than 12 months would automatically be written off.
According to the commission, the proposed provision is intended to ensure that electricity suppliers issue bills within a reasonable timeframe after electricity is consumed and will only apply when the new Retail Electricity Supply Code takes effect.
It stressed that electricity debts accumulated before the Code comes into force remain valid and payable under existing laws and contractual obligations.
The commission explained that the proposed rule simply requires electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and other electricity suppliers to issue bills within 12 months of electricity consumption, after which such bills remain valid and recoverable.
LASERC Chief Executive Officer, Temitope George, said the proposed Retail Electricity Supply Code is designed to strengthen accountability between electricity suppliers and consumers while providing a clear and predictable regulatory framework for the sector.
