Financial Energy Review
……..by Ben Ndubuwa….
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has called on its customers to adopt energy-saving practices in a bid to manage their electricity usage more effectively and avoid soaring bills. The appeal was made during the company’s Customers Consultative Forum, held Thursday at the Apapa Business Unit in Lagos.
The forum, which attracted customers from various communities across the Apapa district, including Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amukoko, Badia, Ajegunle, and Apapa, provided a platform for dialogue between EKEDC management and its customer base. Speaking on behalf of Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh, Acting CEO of EKEDC, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Joseph Esenwa, highlighted the importance of conscious electricity consumption.
“Efficient energy use is key to reducing electricity bills,” Esenwa said. “We encourage our customers to turn off appliances when not in use, embrace energy-efficient devices, and avoid leaving lights or electronics on unnecessarily.”
One of the key points of discussion during the forum was the transition to prepaid metering systems. Esenwa emphasized that with the introduction of prepaid meters, customers can now monitor their energy consumption in real-time, helping them avoid unexpected bills. “With prepaid meters, customers can track their usage and avoid surprises on their bills,” he explained.
However, the transition to prepaid metering has not been without challenges. A significant number of customers have expressed concerns about the higher tariffs under Band A, which covers areas with higher energy demands and infrastructure costs. Mrs. Momoh, in her address, acknowledged these concerns, noting that while the tariffs may appear steep, they reflect the true cost of doing business, which includes maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, and operational expenses.
“The key issue is simple: people have consistently asked for more power, and Band A allows us to serve them better,” Momoh said. “Naturally, when bills are higher, customers will complain, but we have to accept that these costs are part of doing business. We must ensure that we continue providing power despite the challenges.”
While customers in Band A face higher rates, Momoh emphasized that the company is committed to improving service quality, especially concerning recurring power outages, customer complaints, and metering issues. She also encouraged customers to update their records, which would help streamline service delivery and reduce billing errors.
“We encourage all our customers to take advantage of this opportunity to update their details,” she urged. “This will lead to smoother transactions and better service.”
Power outages and system collapses were another focal point of the forum. While many customers attribute power disruptions to EKEDC, Momoh explained that the root cause often lies with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which manages the national grid. She assured the customers that despite not having control over these national system failures, EKEDC remains committed to minimizing the impact of such disruptions on its customers.
“We strive to minimize the effects of system collapses. When power is unavailable, we lose revenue, and prolonged outages lead to customer dissatisfaction,” Momoh said. “But even though we have no control over national power supply, we continue working to mitigate these challenges.”
The company also addressed the issue of metering, which remains a significant concern for many customers. Momoh acknowledged that achieving full metering coverage across the network would take time due to the high cost of meters and the challenges posed by the fluctuating foreign exchange market. Despite these challenges, she assured customers that the company is working towards full metering, although it may take longer than anticipated.
“Metering is not something we can achieve overnight,” she explained. “It requires significant cash flow, and unfortunately, the response rate from customers to purchase their own meters has been lower than expected. While EKEDC is working toward full metering, we have been transparent about the challenges and acknowledge that it will take time to meet the demand.”
In addition to the discussion on metering and service improvements, EKEDC also urged customers to take part in updating their Know Your Customer (KYC) information. This update is essential to maintain accurate records, ensure better billing, and streamline communication. “Updating your KYC is essential for us to serve you better,” Momoh said.
At the forum, local community leaders also spoke out on the importance of protecting electricity infrastructure. Oba Mohammed Atanda, the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, condemned attacks on EKEDC workers and equipment. He called on residents to safeguard the company’s assets to prevent service disruptions caused by vandalism.
“If electricity equipment is vandalised in any community, it affects everyone. We must ensure that we protect EKEDC’s equipment and avoid tampering with meters and other assets,” Oba Atanda said.
Similarly, Prof. Chioma Itiaba, the Yeye Oge of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, urged community leaders to collaborate with security personnel to protect transformers, especially in areas prone to vandalism. “Vandals often operate between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. If security guards are stationed, these incidents can be prevented,” Itiaba said.
In conclusion, EKEDC’s forum revealed the company’s commitment to improving service delivery, even in the face of ongoing challenges. However, achieving a seamless power supply, fair billing, and complete metering will require the cooperation of both the company and its customers.
