Eko DisCo seeks end to estimated billings
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has urged its unmetered customers to take advantage of the ongoing metering and register for prepaid meters to eliminate estimated billings.
Mrs Rekhiat Momoh, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the company, gave the advice on Thursday during the power firm’s Customers Consultative Forum held in Badagry and Agbara, Lagos.
The Business Intelligence (TBI Africa) reports that customers at the forum were drawn from Agbara business unit which covers Agbara, Owode, Ijanikin, Ajara and Badagry.
Others are Ajido, Otto-Awori, Ketu, Pota, Avia, Oko-Afo, Aiyetoro, Seme, Ilogbo-Ereni, Era-Abule, Kwame, Aradagun and lbereko.
Momoh, represented by Mr Joseph Esenwa, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, assured customers that payment made on prepaid meters would be returned through “Energy token”.
She reiterated EKEDC’s commitment to addressing customer concerns and enhancing service delivery in the Agbara and Badagry regions.
She said that the forum provided a platform for customers to voice their issues and allowed EKEDC to gather valuable feedback for service improvement.
Momoh noted that despite the challenging economic climate, the company remains dedicated to providing quality service.
“Currently, EKEDC is focused on achieving 100 per cent metering for its customers.
“While the company has already begun a large-scale metering initiative, it is working to ensure effective metering for the remaining 30 per cent of its customer base,” she said.
Momoh stated that both new and existing meter vendors must maintain a substantial inventory of prepaid meters, which eould be verified by EKEDC before payments can be accepted.
She said that priority will be given to installing prepaid meters for residents who have already paid but remain unmetered.
“The company is also dedicated to improving service delivery through infrastructural investments and ensuring a reliable power supply for customers within its jurisdiction.
Momoh advised against engaging in bribery or extortion, encouraging customers to formally lodge complaints through official channels for proper tracking.
Additionally, she warned that energy theft through meter bypasses or illegal connections would result in prosecution.
EKEDC boss said that EKEDC has invested significantly in upgrading transformers and essential equipment to enhance service delivery.
Regarding Band A electricity customers, Momoh assured that all customers within EKEDC’s network would receive power supply, aiming for a guaranteed minimum of 20 hours of power daily.
Momoh urged customers to report any vandalism of equipment, stressing the detrimental impact of such activities on power distribution.
She acknowledged that despite substantial investments, vandalism remains a significant challenge.
Mr Gbadebo Akinyede, Head of Metering, advised customers to upgrade their meters before November to avoid losing them.
Akinyede urged customers to always ensure they fill the meter application form themselves to avoid contradiction and wrong contact numbers.
He announced planned downtime from Oct. 18 to Oct. 21, for the migration to a new operational system, which would enhance efficiency but temporarily disrupt payment processes.
In his remarks, the Baale of Era Town, Otto-Awori, Chief Olumide Erinle, commended Eko Disco management for prompt response to faults, while appealing to community representatives to bear with the company pending when their complaints are addressed.
Erinle urged EKEDC to embark more on enlightenment campaigns to educate communities within their network on the need to desist from building houses under high tension wires.
He said that Discos should ensure all complaints were addressed before the next town hall meeting.
“The issue of low-shedding of electricity in rural areas should be urgently addressed.
“All residents should also assist the DisCo in securing its facilities to deliver on its promises,” he said.
Also, Chairman, Customers Consultative Forum, Mr Festus Eweke, urged Eko Disco to ensure massive enlightenment campaigns to sensitise customers on the metering upgrading and payments platforms upgrade.
Eweke commended the community leaders for their opinion and urged them to continue in protecting EKEDC’s facilities against vandals.
Mr Niyi Olufeyimi, President, OPIC Residents Estate, urged the company to simplify the process of applying for prepaid meter to enable uneducated customers to access it.
Olufeyimi thanked the management for engaging customers in the area.
