The Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company has affirmed its decision to deploy 50,000 pre-paid meters to its customers in Sokoto State come first quarter of 2018.
The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Haruna Garba, made this known at the inauguration of the Sokoto Forum Office for electricity consumer complaints in Sokoto. Prior to now, unmetered electricity consumers in the state have been demanding for the utility.
Mr Garba noted that the pre-paid meters would be distributed to 50,000 households in the state to meet the yearnings of customers.
“We have signed contract for the purchase of 200,000 pre-paid meters two months ago. I am sure that 50,000 meters would be deployed to Sokoto by the first quarter of next year. The aim is to satisfy our customers and to ensure that they actually pay the electricity they consume,” he said.
Mr Garba believes that the prepaid meter system is efficient, reliable, would go a long way in addressing the problem of estimated billing being faced by customers yet to be metered in the state and ensures no more dispute over disconnection for non-payment, as it is a pay as you use system.
In a similar remark, the Commissioner, Consumer Affairs Division of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Moses Arigu, said the provision of the meters would ensure that customers pay the right price for the amount of energy consumed. He also added that NERC would continue to ensure that Nigerians have optimal access to electricity services and are provided with adequate supply that is affordable, reliable and safe, this is to ensure that there is fairness in regulation for all stakeholders in accordance with the Electrical Power Sector Reform Act (EPSR) 2005.
He stated that;
“the aim of establishing a Forum Office in Sokoto was to resolve customer complaints, reverse undue charges to an aggrieved party, prevent unfair business practices as well as provide basis for compensating an aggrieved customer.”
