EKEDC urges customers to comply with STS-2 meter upgrade
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) is urging customers to complete the Standard Transfer Specification (STS) 2.0 meter upgrade by Nov. 24 to avoid being blocked from the system.
Mrs Rekhiat Momoh, Acting Chief Executive Officer of EKEDC, made this appeal during a Customer Engagement Forum at the Ajah Business Unit in Lagos on Thursday.
The attendees of the forum were drawn from various areas within the Ajah Business Unit, including Ajah Ilaje, Oke-Ira, Addo, Sangotedo, Farapack Estate, Elemoro, Ibeju, Royal Gardens Maine and Medallion.
Others are Sangotedo, Ajah, Okeira, Ogombo, Addo road, Badore, Lamgbasa, Ajah-Ilaje, Lekki scheme 2, Monastery road, Okun Mopo, Ajiwe, Abraham Adesanya, Ajiwe, Ogombo, Urban Prime, and surrounding areas.
The token identifier is a secret code hidden in every energy token customers use on prepaid electricity meters, while STS is the global standard for the transfer of electricity and other utility prepayment tokens.
Momoh who was represented by Mr Joseph Esenwa, the company’s Chief Finance Officer, emphasised EKEDC’s commitment to improving electricity supply across its network.
She said that forum also served as a platform to foster collaboration between EKEDC and its customers, allowing for dialogue on challenges and service improvements.
Momoh assured attendees that EKEDC is dedicated to addressing issues such as transformer failures and load shedding, with plans to resolve complaints by the end of 2024.
She explained that customers must upgrade their existing meters to continue accepting tokens, as outdated meters will need to be replaced at the customer’s expense.
“The upgrade is necessary due to the impending expiration of the current vending platform and aims to provide a more efficient metering system,” Momoh stated.
Momoh reminded customers to load any previously purchased tokens before starting the upgrade process, as old tokens will no longer work on upgraded meters.
“For assistance, customers can visit any EKEDC District or Zonal office, where help desks will be available, and staff will assist on Saturdays, Nov. 2 and 9.
She stressed that the upgrade is free and urged customers not to pay anyone for the service.
Addressing issues of vandalism, Momoh condemned the recurring theft of infrastructure, which leads to unplanned outages.
She described such acts as detrimental to community development and urged citizens to work together to combat these crimes.
Momoh noted, “Improving power supply will foster socio-economic growth and create jobs. Protecting power equipment should be a collective concern.”
She also warned against illegal connections, stating that those found engaging in energy theft would face prosecution.
She urged customers to report any suspicious activities related to bypassing meters.
Momoh reassured customers of EKEDC’s commitment to improving metering and service delivery, urging all stakeholders to collaborate for a more efficient power supply system.
On bill payments, Momoh called for prompt settlement of electricity bills, emphasising that timely payments enable EKEDC to maintain stable service delivery.
She encouraged the use of various payment methods, including online platforms.
Also speaking, Mr Babatunde Lasaki, General Manager of Corporate Communication and Strategy, reiterated that customers should avoid making payments to private accounts or bribing staff for services.
He emphasised EKEDC’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal activities and encouraged reporting any unethical behavior through secure channels.
Some consumers expressed what they described as
frustration with the current billing system, describing it as outrageous.
One of the EKEDC’s customer, Alhaji Mohammed Ali, voiced concerns about inadequate metering and the reliance on estimated billing, which they believe undermines the rationale for privatising the power sector.
To address these issues, Ali suggested establishing a task force comprising EKEDC officials and security operatives to monitor power supply conditions and coordinate efforts against vandalism and energy theft.
Mt Joseph Edenye, a resident of Destiny Homes Estate commended EKEDC’s prompt response to faults while urging residents to support in protecting EKEDC’s facilities.
Edenye appeal to EKEDC management to engage workers on training to improve services eliminate adhoc workers from the system.
