Power
By Yunus Yusuf
Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) says it is committed to providing massive metering services to its customers, following the deregulation of electricity meter prices under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of EKEDC, Mrs Rekhiat Momoh, gave the assurance during the company’s Customers Engagement Forum under the Mushin Business Unit on Thursday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mushin Business Unit comprises of Papa Ajao, Mushin, Idi Araba, Ilasamaja, Lawanson, Ijesha, Itire and Ishaga.
Momoh, who was represented by Mr Samuel Edoho, the General Manager of Commercial (Revenue Cycle) at EKEDC, highlighted that the initiative of the prepaid meter scheme aimed at streamlining the procurement and distribution process, thereby enhancing efficiency and reliability.
Momoh stressed the importance of new and existing MAP vendors in maintaining a substantial inventory of prepaid meters, subject to physical verification by EKEDC, before accepting payments from customers.
According to Momoh, EKEDC’s priority is ensuring accelerated installation of prepaid meters for customers, who have made payments but are yet to be metered.
She elaborated on the deregulation of smart meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) under the MAP scheme which took effective May 1.
This, Momoh noted, would enable customers to procure meters from vendors of their choice at competitive market prices determined through transparent bidding frameworks.
The EKEDC’s boss appreciated the customers and assured them that the company would continue to make sure that communities under its purview enjoys power supply as much as possible.
“The essence of this gathering is to get feedback from you that will enable us continuously improve services we render to you as our valid customers.
“As a mean to ensure that we constantly improve our services, we have carried out major rehabilitation of structures within Mushin environment to make sure that you have constant power supply,” she said.
The company addressed issues bordering on prepaid meters, faulty transformers, bad feeders, pole replacement, among others.
She promised to address some of the issues identified on the spot within the shortest period of time.
The EKEDC’s boss assured that prepaid meters would be made available to those that had paid and were awaiting meters.
“Metering is the solution to dispute, in as much as there is no meter, we will continue to have dispute, but when there is meter, there will be an end to dispute.
“It is not your responsibility to repair any equipment when there is a break down, your responsibility is to meet up with your obligation of paying your bills.
“If bills are not paid, there will be consequences and this will lead us not being able to meet up with our side of providing light effectively,” she said.
Mr Kadiri Rasheed, a community leader, emphasised the necessity for the company to enhance the provision of electricity.
He also called upon EKEDC to expedite the process of installing prepaid meters.
Also, Mr Micheal Fawole, a resident of Iyanuolapo Command Development Council, urged the DisCo to effectively tackle the challenges relating to underground cables.
According to him, this will prevent disruptions in power supply to the region, particularly during the rainy season.
Fawole proposed that cables in flood-prone areas be repositioned overhead as a permanent solution to the recurring issue.
Another customer, Mrs Bola Ijaiya, from Lawanson, expressed concerns regarding the Ishaga feeder.
She urged the company to take necessary actions to enhance their feeder, thereby ensuring a more reliable supply of electricity to the community.
Mr Oluwaseun Ogunsola, the Manager of Cityway Shopping Complex in Yaba, highlighted the issue of estimated billing.
He urged the company to address this matter promptly and find a sustainable solution to billing discrepancies to prevent the disruption of operations for many businesses.
Ogunsola shared his dismay over a sudden increase in their bill from N400,000 to N1,849,000 last month.
Such a rise in billing, he described as unsustainable for businesses, and urged EKEDC to investigate and rectify the issue to prevent potential shutdowns and job losses.
The Chairman of Mushin CDC, Mr Femi Okunyemi, called on the Management of EKEDC to prioritise the resolution of customers’ complaints.
He emphasised the importance of fostering a positive relationship with customers by promptly addressing their concerns.
While acknowledging the efforts made by the company in providing electricity to the communities under its jurisdiction, Okunyemi underscored the need for continuous improvement.
According to him, there is room for enhancement and encouraged EKEDC to strive for better service delivery. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OUU/YO/KOLE/AWA
==============
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Olawunmi Ashafa