Electricity Consumers to Receive Refunds for Meter Payments

The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has announced that all electricity consumers who paid for meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme will be refunded within the next six months. The announcement was made during a Customer Engagement Forum held in Agbara, a suburb of Lagos.

Dr. Tinuade Sanda, the Chief Executive Officer of EKEDC, assured customers at the forum, which included individuals from various areas, that they would receive their refunds in the form of a credit “token.” The areas represented at the forum included Agbara, Owode, Ijanikin, Ajara, Badagry, Ajido, Otto-Awori, Ketu, Pota, Avia, Oko-Afo, Aiyetoro, Seme, Ilogbo-Ereni, Era-Abule, Kwame, Aradagun, and Ibereko.

Mr. Samuel Edoho, the General Manager of Commercial, Revenue Cycle at EKEDC, represented Dr. Tinuade Sanda at the forum. Edoho emphasized the importance of customers participating in the ongoing metering process to avoid being subject to estimated billing, a common cause of complaints among electricity consumers.

Sanda stated, “Customers who paid through the MAP scheme will be refunded within six months. The Disco has started massive metering of customers who paid through the MAP scheme.” She noted that this clarification was necessary as some consumers were uncertain about whether they would receive refunds for the money they paid for meters under the MAP scheme.

The EKEDC’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all customers by using cutting-edge technology to supply electricity safely, sustainably, and reliably. Sanda expressed her confidence in the company’s commitment to economic and infrastructure development, as well as delivering safe, reliable, and steady power supply.

Regarding metering, the EKEDC aims to achieve 100 percent metering of its customers. While approximately 70 percent of customers have been metered, the company is actively working toward effectively metering the remaining 30 percent.

Sanda also highlighted that the funds collected from customers are shared within the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) value chain, and the remittances to the market operator by DisCos are essential for infrastructure, operations, and staff salaries.

She stressed the importance of eliminating estimated billing and achieving targeted metering of customers with prepaid meters to ensure fairness in billing. Sanda called for customers to be vigilant against vandalism, which remains a significant issue affecting power distribution.

The Baale of Era Town, Otto-Awori, Chief Olumide Erinle, commended Eko Disco’s management for its prompt response to faults and appealed for community representatives’ patience as their complaints are addressed. Erinle also called for more enlightenment campaigns to educate communities on safety measures, such as avoiding building houses under high tension wires.

Mr. Festus Eweka, Chairman of the Customers Consultative Forum, suggested the installation of solar lights in all transformers and facilities within rural communities to safeguard the equipment against vandalism. Eweka applauded community leaders for their support in protecting EKEDC’s facilities.

The EKEDC reassured electricity consumers within its network that all raised complaints would be thoroughly addressed, demonstrating their commitment to improving service delivery and ensuring customer satisfaction.