The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has explained the delay in supplying some of its consumers with prepaid meters.
Dr. Tinuade Sanda, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), EKEDC, gave the explanation during customers engagement forum organised by the company in Apapa Lagos. She stated that some customers, who applied for prepaid meters failed to perfect their documents.
According to the CEO, the company had commenced effective metering through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme where meters were installed within 10 working days after confirmation of payment.
Represented by the company’s Chief Finance Officer, Joseph Esenwa, Sanda explained that some customers had applied and paid for the prepaid meters under the MAP scheme, but failed to provide the right biodata when registering for the scheme.
“While the commitment to install prepaid meters for customers under the MAP Scheme is critical, we have noticed that some customers provided wrong details including their valid means of identification. There is nothing we can do until they come forward to address the issue.
“Some of the incorrect details include wrong addresses, emails, applicants’ reference numbers, and invalid means of identification. The invalid biodata has delayed the issuance of receipts for the processing of the meters”, she said.
She, however assured customers in Apapa and Ijora District respectively that the DisCo would soon visit the areas under the district to launch the mobile metering exercise for the on-the-spot applications of customers to support the existing online process of acquiring prepaid meters by customers under the MAP scheme.
Meanwhile, the Eko Disco CEO, has condemned the increasing spate of energy theft and equipment vandalism in the company’s network, saying it is hampering power supply.
She therefore sought the support of customers and stakeholders in tackling the menace.
The CEO lamented that despite huge investments in power infrastructure by the company, vandalism of its equipment was still on the increase, pointing out that activities of these vandals were crippling power distribution to the company’s esteemed customers.
She stated that the company recently reported cases of stolen cables, damaged transformers, and other network infrastructure.
Sanda urged customers to guard electrical installations within their environments jealously to avoid being plunged into unexpected darkness.
“We implore all residents and customers to report any act suspected to be vandalism to the nearest Police Station, Civil Defence and the Department of State Service,” she said.
She also said cases of illegal connections, meter bypass, apathy to payment of electricity bills and vandalism have been on a steady rise recently.
The CEO narrated instances where customers using prepaid meters connived with electricians to bypass meters with the aim of evading payment for energy consumed.
She said: “The negative impact of the rising cases of energy theft and vandalism has become worrisome to the company, that is why we have commenced intensive campaign against energy theft and vandalism across our Business Units to curb the illegalities.
“While we are also soliciting the support of communities to assist EKEDC in curbing these illegal activities, the provision of improved and stable electricity supply is a collective responsibility that requires collaboration of stakeholders.
“As the ricocheting effect will not only impede progress in the power sector and affect revenue, but will also erode the quality of electricity supply to our customers.”
The Secretary, Apapa Government Council, Mr Gibraltar Njowusi, commended the EkEDC for its prompt responses to issues, and urged the company to support the project on powering streetlights.
Njowusi urged EKEDC to support the community it operated from through development of infrastructure as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
On his part, the Chief Port Engineer, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Mr lgomu Lawrence, advised EKEDC to make electricity available to all.
The forum was attended by customers from various areas under Apapa District, including Ajengunle, Badia, Ajeromi, Amukoko and Apapa.