“We encourage our customers to turn off appliances when not in use, embrace energy-efficient devices, and avoid leaving lights or electronics on unnecessarily,” Momoh, Ag. MD/CEO
Oredola Adeola
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has advised customers to adopt energy-saving practices, including low-energy appliances, to manage electricity consumption better and avoid higher billing associated with improved power supply under Band A.
Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the company, appealed during the EKEDC Customers Consultative Forum held on Thursday at the Apapa Business Unit in Lagos.
The forum attracted customers from various communities within the Apapa district, including Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amukoko, Badia, Ajegunle, Tolu, Plaza, Idewu, Odofin, Sari, Boundary, and Apapa.
Mr. Joseph Esenwa, Chief Financial Officer, who represented the MD at the engagement emphasised the importance of conscious electricity consumption, particularly in the face of rising energy demands and the ongoing transition to prepaid metering systems.
In a continued push for energy efficiency and customer engagement, Mrs. Momoh, emphasized the importance of conservative energy practices to help reduce electricity bills, including simple yet impactful steps customers can take
“We encourage our customers to turn off appliances when not in use, embrace energy-efficient devices, and avoid leaving lights or electronics on unnecessarily,” she stated,
Momoh also advocated for the use of smart metering systems as a vital tool in managing energy consumption, noting that prepaid meters foster Service-Based Tariff (SBT) alignment.
“Prepaid meters allow customers to monitor their consumption in real-time.
“With prepaid meters, customers can track their usage and avoid surprises on their bills,” she said.
Addressing the higher tariffs associated with Band A, Momoh clarified that these tariffs reflect the true cost of service delivery, encompassing generation, transmission, trading, and distribution expenses.
While acknowledging the financial strain on customers due to the current economic climate, she pointed out that paying cost-reflective rates supports service reliability.
She said, “The key issue is simple: people have consistently asked for more power, and Band A allows us to serve them better.
“Naturally, when bills are higher, customers will complain, but we have to accept that these costs are part of doing business.
We must ensure that we continue providing power despite the challenges,” Momoh said.
Momoh acknowledged the financial and logistical hurdles, admitting that full metering across the network will require time due to high import costs and foreign exchange fluctuations.
“Metering is not something we can achieve overnight. It requires significant cash flow, and unfortunately, the response rate from customers to purchase their own meters has been lower than expected,” she said.
The MD reaffirmed the company’s dedication to improving service quality amid challenges with power outages, metering, and customer grievances.
“We encourage all our customers to take advantage of this opportunity to update their details,” Momoh emphasized. “This will lead to smoother transactions and better service.”
Addressing concerns raised in respect of recurring system collapses, Momoh clarified that while customers often attribute these outages to the distribution companies, the issues generally stem from challenges within the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
According to her, despite not having direct control over these national system failures, EKEDC remains committed to minimizing their impact.
“We strive to minimize the effects of system collapses. When power is unavailable, we lose revenue, and prolonged outages lead to customer dissatisfaction.
“But even though we have no control over national power supply, we continue working to mitigate these challenges,” she explained.
She added that keeping customer information up to date through the Know Your Customer (KYC) process is essential, as it helps maintain accurate records, streamline billing, and improve communication.
“Updating your KYC is essential for us to serve you better,” she urged.
While commending EKEDC for initiating the forum, customers said the platform offers open dialogue between the company and the community leaders to voice their concerns with a view to addressing the issues directly.
Oba Mohammed Atanda, the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, condemned the attacks on EKEDC workers and equipment by some community members, emphasizing that such actions contradict ethical values.
He urged residents to collaborate with EKEDC to protect essential electrical infrastructure from vandals.
“If electricity equipment is vandalised in any community, it affects everyone,” Oba Atanda stated. “We must ensure that we protect EKEDC’s equipment and avoid tampering with meters and other assets.”
In agreement, Prof. Chioma Itiaba, the Yeye Oge of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, appealed to Apapa residents to safeguard transformers and prevent vandalism, noting the frequency of these incidents in the area.
She further called on community leaders to work closely with security personnel to ensure equipment safety.
“Vandals often operate between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.,” Itiaba said. “If security guards are stationed, these incidents can be prevented.”
