…awaits NERC approval for migration of more customers to Band A
… reveals why paid customers remain unmetered, why prepaid payment link was disabled
… Lasaki explains how EKEDC customers can participate in CSR initiatives
Oredola Adeola
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has reiterated its commitment to gradually extend the 20-hour power supply to customers in Bands B to E, as part of its continuous endeavour to enhance service quality comprehensively.
The DisCo has therefore reaffirmed its dedication to proving its capacity to deliver a minimum of 20 hours of electricity to customers in 75 feeders currently classified as Band A, in compliance with the approval from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Sam Edoho, the General Manager of Commercial for EKEDC, who represented the Acting Managing Director, Mrs Rekhiat Momoh, made this assurance at the customers’ engagement forum for Ojo electricity customers on Thursday.
According to him, EKEDC is poised to extend the 20-hour supply to other customers in Band B to E, having demonstrated to NERC its commitment to equitable service distribution for the customers presently in Band A.
The GM of Commercial for EKEDC further emphasized that the multi-year tariff order 2024, which classified electricity consumers into Bands A to E, was not intended to discriminate against some customers who are not on Band A.
He insisted that every customer on other Bands B to E is entitled to equal rights to quality power supply, but craved understanding from the customers for the EKEDC to meet and exceed service availability targets of 20 hours of electricity to customers under the take-off stage with the 75 feeders currently categorized as Band A.
Edoho mentioned that Band A is a premium service, and it is the responsibility of the EKEDC to meet the supply threshold and requirements of these customers at the moment, while also ensuring that the criteria of supply to other Bands are equally fulfilled.
Edoho further disclosed that the 33 KV FESTAC 1, OJO, which is the only Band A feeder selected by NERC for the Ojo District, indicated that EKEDC has complied with the service availability of 20 hours and above for Band A customers.
He therefore stated that if NERC approves more feeders, EKEDC will immediately upgrade other Bands to that hour of supply.
Edoho noted that the categorization is merely a way to segment customers and provide them with quality service.
He said, “The selection of the Band A feeder is based on the present state of the national grid power availability. Note also that NERC has been monitoring the compliance of all the DisCos and has picked only feeders that the DisCos can comply with in terms of service availability.”
The General Manager of Commercial for EKEDC further emphasized the company’s commitment to improving its service delivery to customers, valuing their interests and concerns.
He acknowledged the current shortages in the power supply sector from the national grid and the impact on customers across the EKEDC’s franchise area.
However, he assured customers that EKEDC is working closely with stakeholders to improve the situation.
Edoho said, “EKEDC is committed to addressing customers’ concerns and feedback, with some issues to be addressed immediately through the customer service department and others to be taken back to the headquarters for further action,” the MD representative said.
He assured customers that all feedback gathered from the forum would be addressed, with short-term issues to be taken care of immediately and long-term issues to be addressed in due course.
Edoho highlighted the significant investments made by EKEDC in infrastructure improvement, including the construction of injection substations, the purchase of electrical materials for fault clearing, and the availability of sufficient transformers to cater to customers’ needs.
He therefore charged customers to fulfill their obligations, in terms of clearing their electricity bills, stating that the DisCo also shares the responsibility of providing quality service to the customers.
He said, “EKEDC has made significant progress in metering customers through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, with over 400 customers out of a total of over 600 customers metered.
Edoho further highlighted several projects undertaken by EKEDC within the Ojo District, which he claimed have improved the power supply in the area.
Some of the interventions, according to him, include the construction of 11KV feeders in Iba, the replacement of panels at the Ojo injection substation, and other initiatives aimed at ensuring reasonable stability in the power supply.
Engr Gbadebo, the Head of Metering at EKEDC, in his explanation of the challenges faced in the distribution of prepaid meters to customers who have paid for them, stated that the delay in metering customers is due to the increase in the exchange rate of the US dollar, which has affected the cost of meters.
He said, “The vendors operating under the MAP scheme have met with the NERC to request a price review, and the DisCos do not have the power to order the vendors to continue with the installation of those customers who have paid since the utility companies operate under a strict regulatory environment.
Gbadebo noted that the payment link for prepaid meters has been disabled to address the issue of delay, adding that the management of EKEDC has reported the matter to the NERC.
He said, “The vendors and the regulator are expected to agree on a common ground to make the prepaid meters available for customers, as most customers who have made payments have not been metered due to the FX crisis.
“The MAP vendors have made attempts to refund the customers, but we have decided to put them on hold to see what the regulator can do to assuage the FX crisis.
“The NERC is therefore expected to decide on the prices given the FX differentials before the end of April 2024, since the Naira is appreciating.
The EKEDC Head of Metering, therefore, emphasized that there are four metering methodologies approved by the NERC and that EKEDC is currently operating the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, which provides that customers who pay for prepaid meters must be repaid in 120 months (10 years) for the payment made for the purchase of the meters, with the value reflecting in the form of energy tokens for consumption.
Speaking about the concerns raised by one of the customers at the engagement forum in respect of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of EKEDC to customers on an annual basis, Mr. Babatunde Lasaki, GM of Corporate Communication, highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by EKEDC.
He mentioned that Eko DisCo has provided funds for hospitals within the franchise areas, supported sports and social development by building mini stadiums and aiding both primary and secondary schools under the franchise area, empowered women to establish small businesses, and promoted science-based education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
According to Lasaki, we have made a significant impact through STEM competitions, sponsorships, and scholarships for students studying STEM courses in universities within EKEDC’s network area.
Lasaki therefore encouraged customers under EKEDC who are interested in recommending projects for the DisCo to write a formal letter addressed to the MD of EKEDC and submit to the headquarters outlining any specific requests or initiatives they would like to see implemented.
The GM Corporate Communication therefore assured that the DisCo committed to reviewing these letters and ensuring that the requested responsibilities are carried out effectively.
Engr Bayo Oladosun, Chairman of the Iba Customers Forum, expressed gratitude for the productive engagement session with EKEDC, where customers’ concerns were discussed openly.
He highlighted the customers’ complaints about estimated billing, the need for all customers to be metered, and persistent issues with the electricity distribution infrastructure. Oladosun trusts that the EKEDC team, led by Mr Edoho, will escalate the concerns to the top management for immediate relief and response.
He also mentioned that regular engagement sessions between the DisCo and customers would prevent clashes and violent altercations, fostering a better relationship.
Oladosun therefore urged EKEDC to ensure that every issue discussed at the customer engagement forum is given immediate and equal attention, with feedback presented on customer platforms to identify addressed issues.
According to him, the EKEDC, as a profit-based organization, is expected to deliver services based on contract, while customers contribute by paying for the service.
He cautioned the management of the EKEDC to note that the customers in the Iba District are not willing to pay for darkness.
