… prioritises installation for paid customers
… mandates MAP vendors to maintain substantial meter stock before accepting customer payments
Oredola Adeola
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has announced plans to expedite the installation of prepaid meters for customers who have already made payments under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme but are yet to receive their meters.
The DisCo has also disclosed a plan to launch a comprehensive metering initiative aimed at reducing the number of unmetered customers, following the deregulation of electricity meter prices under the MAP scheme by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Mrs Rekhiat Momoh, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), gave the assurance during the company’s Engagement Forum with customers within Papa Ajao, Mushin, Idi Araba, Ilasamaja, Lawanson, Ijesha, Itire and Ishaga, all under the Mushin business unit, on Thursday in Lagos.
Momoh, who was represented by Mr. Samuel Edoho, EKEDC General Manager of Commercial (Revenue Cycle), stated that the deregulation of the MAP prepaid meter scheme was aimed at streamlining the procurement and distribution process, thereby enhancing efficiency and reliability.
She therefore assured EKEDC’s commitment to facilitating a seamless experience for customers seeking prepaid meters, following the deregulation of prices of smart metering under the MAP scheme.
Acknowledging the delays, she urged customers who have paid but are yet to be metered to provide their details for immediate attention.
“We know that many people have paid and are yet to be metered. I want to urge such customers to provide their details to enable us to attend to them immediately,” she said.
Mrs Rekhiat Momoh emphasized that EKEDC’s standard procedure involves physically verifying the inventory of prepaid meters held by both new and existing Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) to ensure they maintain a substantial stock before accepting payments from customers.
She stated, “We have instructed existing vendors to prioritize the accelerated installation of prepaid meters for customers who have made payments but are yet to be metered before the deregulation commenced.”
She added that NERC’s deregulation of smart meter prices under the MAP scheme, effective May 1, enables customers to procure meters from vendors of their choice at competitive market prices determined through transparent bidding frameworks.
“Metering is the solution to dispute, in as much as there is no meter, we will continue to have a dispute, but when there is a meter, there will be an end to the dispute.
“It is not your responsibility to repair any equipment when there is a breakdown, your responsibility is to meet your obligation of paying your bills,” the Acting MD said.
She revealed that a presidential metering initiative is still in the pipeline, aimed at bridging the metering gap.
“However, this has not started yet, and people who cannot wait for that initiative can opt into the MAP scheme to be metered.”
Mrs. Momoh emphasized the importance of regular engagement with customers, stating, “The essence of this gathering is to get feedback from you to enable us to continuously improve the services we render.”
She added, “To show our commitment, feedback from these engagements has been acted upon, resulting in improved services to the district, including major rehabilitation of structures in the Mushin area to ensure a constant power supply.”
The EKEDC boss commended customers for their feedback and understanding, assuring them of the company’s determination to strive for consistent power supply to all areas under its purview whenever power is available in the grid.
She further stated that issues bordering on prepaid meters, faulty transformers, bad feeders, and pole replacement, among others, have been addressed.
She therefore promised to address some of the issues identified during the engagement meeting, within the shortest period.
Momoh identified the substantial debt profile on transformers as one of the reasons faulty ones have not been repaired or replaced in some areas.
“If bills are not paid, there will be consequences, preventing us from effectively providing electricity,” she said.
“The significant debt discovered in these communities discourages prompt repairs of such transformers,” she added.
Momoh advised customers not to incite communities against the company, clarifying that the funds collected do not stay with EKEDC but go to the electricity market.
“We are only given a part of it to cover our operational expenses. When you discourage others from paying, it means you don’t want the electricity industry to exist,” she stated.
Momoh assured customers of the company’s readiness to partner and cooperate with them to solve issues affecting electricity distribution.
“All we require is that you give us the benefit of the doubt and the opportunity to do so.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel, and together Nigeria will be better for all of us.
“Let us cooperate and give the government a chance to deliver the hope they promised Nigerians for a better future,” she concluded.
Community leaders and customers voiced their concerns and suggestions to improve electricity services.
Mr. Kadiri Rasheed, a community leader, urged the company to enhance the electricity supply and expedite the installation of prepaid meters.
Mr. Michael Fawole, a customer from the Iyanuolapo Command Development Council, highlighted issues with underground cables, especially during the rainy season.
He suggested rerouting these cables overhead to prevent frequent outages, noting that their area is prone to flooding.
Mrs. Bola Ijaiya from Lawanson complained about the Ishaga feeder, urging EKEDC to improve it for a more reliable power supply.
Mr. Oluwaseun Ogunsola, Manager of Cityway Shopping Complex in Yaba, addressed the issue of estimated billing. He urged EKEDC to find a lasting solution to prevent businesses from shutting down.
“We used to pay N400,000 per month, but last month, we received a bill for N1,849,000. How do they expect us to operate with such an outrageous bill?
“They should please look into this because many companies will shut down, and workers will be laid off,” Ogunsola said.
Mr. Femi Okunyemi, Chairman of Mushin CDC, appealed to EKEDC management to address customer complaints to foster a good relationship.
He, therefore, commended the company’s efforts in providing electricity to the communities but suggested there is still room for improvement.
