Lagos Government has announced plans to scrap the electricity customer band system introduced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). This it added is in line with efforts to achieve more stable power supply across the state.

Under the framework introduced by Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission in 2024, electricity users were grouped into Bands A to E based on hours of supply. Customers in Band A pay cost-reflective tariffs and are expected to receive at least 20 hours of electricity daily, while lower bands receive subsidised power with fewer supply hours.

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Speaking during a ministerial media briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, said the state’s long-term objective remains to provide uninterrupted electricity rather than maintain supply categories, just as he stated that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration was focused on creating conditions that could support round-the-clock power supply for residents.

According to him, the government believes stable electricity across all areas is achievable and intends to prioritise reliable power over the existing band classification model.

Ogunleye had earlier stated that Lagos would not sustain electricity subsidies, noting that consumers would eventually pay cost-reflective tariffs in line with the state’s energy plans.

He added that the government had expanded investments in power infrastructure, renewable energy projects and solar installations to support its vision of a 24-hour economy.

The commissioner further disclosed that implementation of the Lagos State Electricity Law 2024 had also been intensified to encourage private sector participation and build a more competitive electricity market, adding that the state has already updated its Integrated Resource Plan and completed a Strategic Implementation Plan aimed at promoting bilateral energy trading and moving away from the single-buyer electricity system.

According to him, the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission has strengthened licensing and regulatory activities, while the Lagos Independent System Operator is being positioned to enhance grid performance and market stability.

On renewable energy initiatives, Ogunleye said the state had converted 22,000 traditional streetlights to smart solar-powered systems across major roads including the Gbagada-Oshodi Expressway, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ikorodu Road and Funsho Williams Avenue, with another 20,000 solar streetlights installed, bringing the total number of operational smart solar units in Lagos to about 42,000.