Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has announced its commitment to refund all customers who paid for meters through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme. The refund will be made in the form of a credit token within a span of six months.
This assurance was given by Dr. Tinuade Sanda, the Chief Executive Officer of EKEDC, during a Customer Engagement Forum held in Agbara, a suburb of Lagos. The event brought together customers from the Agbara business unit, which encompasses areas such as Agbara, Owode, Ijanikin, Ajara, Badagry, Ajido, Otto-Awori, Ketu, Pota, Avia, Oko-Afo, Aiyetoro, Seme, Ilogbo-Ereni, Era-Abule, Kwame, Aradagun, and Ibereko.
Represented by Mr. Samuel Edoho, the General Manager of Commercial Revenue Cycle at EKEDC, Dr. Sanda encouraged customers to participate in the ongoing metering process to avoid being subject to estimated billing.
She emphasized that the only way to resolve the recurring complaints about over-billing and estimated billing is to obtain meters. Dr. Sanda assured customers that those who had paid for meters through the MAP scheme would receive their refunds within six months, as EKEDC had initiated a significant metering drive for these customers.
The CEO also addressed the need for clarity regarding the refund process, as some consumers had sought reassurance about the return of their payments. She clarified that the purpose of the forum was to engage with customers within the network to enhance service delivery.
Dr. Sanda reiterated Eko Disco’s mission to enhance the quality of life for all customers through the use of advanced technology to provide electricity safely, sustainably, and reliably. She expressed the company’s commitment to economic and infrastructure development while ensuring a consistent and secure power supply to customers within its operational network.
Regarding metering, Dr. Sanda stated that EKEDC aimed to achieve 100% metering of its customers. Currently, approximately 70% of customers have been metered, and the company is actively working on effectively metering the remaining 30%.
She also explained that the funds collected from customers were distributed across the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) value chain, with the remaining balance allocated to infrastructure needs, operations, and staff salaries.
Dr. Sanda stressed that the elimination of estimated billing and the implementation of targeted metering were widely recognized as the way forward, despite challenges from Generation Companies (GenCos).
In addressing the issue of vandalism, she urged customers to report equipment damage and destruction, emphasizing the importance of community support in tackling energy theft and vandalism within the network. Despite significant investments in power infrastructure, vandalism of equipment remains a challenge, leading to disruptions in power distribution.
Dr. Sanda reassured customers that all raised concerns would be addressed. Community leaders, such as Chief Olumide Erinle, the Baale of Era Town, and Mr. Festus Eweka, Chairman of the Customers Consultative Forum, commended EKEDC’s prompt response to faults and requested continued support from community representatives. They also suggested the installation of solar lights around transformers and facilities to protect them from vandalism. Community leaders called for better education on the dangers of building near high tension wires and urged EKEDC to address issues promptly, particularly regarding power outages in rural areas.
