Customers of electricity distribution companies have raised their voices in protest against the recent move by some electricity distribution companies to retrieve prepaid meters for the purpose of upgrading. The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) recently communicated this intention to its customers through a notice on its Facebook page.
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The flyer from the Disco outlined the plan to retrieve a specific set of prepaid meters for upgrading purposes. It indicated that the meters with particular numbers would be collected temporarily to facilitate the upgrade process. The company assured customers that the meters would be returned after the upgrade and that the existing token balance would not be wiped out.
However, this announcement has not been well-received by customers, leading to a wave of criticism and skepticism. Some customers have expressed frustration with the process, suggesting that the distribution companies should provide alternative methods, such as codes for updates, rather than physically removing the installed meters.
One customer voiced concerns about the trustworthiness of the distribution company’s staff, warning them not to approach his house for the retrieval. Others questioned the motive behind the retrieval, suspecting potential tariff increases.
Sources close to the matter noted that similar avenues might be used by other distribution companies to address problematic meters. Some customers raised doubts about the success of manual retrieval without complications.
Amidst the discourse, an additional layer of complexity emerged when a customer reported receiving a lower token value after recharging following an upgrade.
IBEDC’s spokesperson clarified that customers whose meters are retrieved for upgrading would be temporarily placed on post-paid meters during the upgrade process. The meters would be returned once the upgrade is completed.
Sunday Oduntan, a spokesperson for the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, criticized the planned retrieval, deeming it “absurd.”
Notably, spokespersons for other distribution companies, including the Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Kano Electricity Distribution Company, and Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, did not respond to inquiries about similar meter retrievals.
Metering expert Sesan Okunade explained that the intended action aligns with developments in the power sector and the requirement for STS compliance meters to roll over to zero by November 24, 2024.
Chijioke James, the President of the Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria, indicated that he would respond after consulting with colleagues on the matter.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s spokesperson, Usman Arabi, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that distribution companies operate in a manner that benefits both the electricity market and consumers.
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