The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has assured its customers of its preparedness to launch a large-scale initiative for the distribution of prepaid meters within its network areas. Dr. Tinuade Sanda, CEO of EKEDC, conveyed this commitment during a customer engagement forum held in Lagos on Thursday.
The event, attended by customers from various areas, including Lagos Island, Idumagbo, Ajele, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island, served as a platform for EKEDC to share its metering plans. Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh, Chief Commercial Officer of EKEDC, represented Dr. Sanda at the forum.
Mrs. Momoh stated that the company is confident in its ability to install more than 50,000 prepaid meters before the end of the year, with a broader goal of installing over 150,000 meters throughout the year. EKEDC has already successfully provided meters to over 475,000 customers within its network.
In addressing the temporary pause in metering, Mrs. Momoh revealed that the company would be meeting with Meter Assessment Providers (MAPs) in the coming month to discuss the resumption of metering for pending stock. EKEDC temporarily halted metering but has plans to resume based on the recommendations from the MAPs.
Regarding the increase in meter prices, Mrs. Sanda explained that customers had shown support for the price adjustment, acknowledging that it aligns with the country’s current economic situation. She emphasised that with the new pricing structure, the company would expedite the rollout of meters.
Mrs. Sanda confirmed that the prices of single-phase meters had increased by 40 per cent, and three-phase meters had seen a 31 per cent increase. She expressed satisfaction with the positive response from customers at the forum, indicating that those who had made payments before the price increase would be given priority without additional charges.
“We have about 8,000 customers who have already made payments for meters and are awaiting installation. They will be the first to receive meters as we resume the metering process,” she assured.
Additionally, Mrs. Sanda highlighted the company’s efforts to upgrade outdated equipment and replace over 150 transformers within the year. She also mentioned that the management was addressing issues related to underground cables and assured customers that affected areas would see resolutions soon.
Regarding revenue generation, Mrs. Sanda shared that EKEDC had achieved an average payment collection rate of 82 percent over the last three years, with an 18 percent loss recorded during the same period.
She sternly warned against unauthorised connections and emphasised the high cost to the business of replacing vandalised property and meters that customers had damaged by attempting to bypass them.
Alhaji AbdulLatif Muse, Executive Secretary of the Victoria Island and Ikoyi Security and Environment Trust, praised EKEDC for its effective service delivery. He appealed to customers to embrace metering processes to reduce estimated billing and urged them to assist the company in identifying equipment vandals.
Mr. Ismail Subair, Vice Chairman of the Lagos Island Community, also commended Eko Disco for its prompt response to faults and effective service delivery. He encouraged customers to engage in peaceful dialogue to address their concerns rather than resorting to violence.
Furthermore, Subair urged EKEDC management to activate its innovative network solution, the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition-Distribution Management System (SCADA-DMS) Centre, to enhance monitoring and issue resolution.
