Eko DisCo set to eradicate ‘crazy bills’

Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has announced that a project to improve the company’s estimated billing system was on going and will reduce cases of outrageous billing popularly known as “crazy bills”.

A statement signed by Godwin Idemudia, EKEDC Corporate Communications General Manager, said that the company had included the metering of distribution transformers to its meter roll out plan, stating that so far it has metered 105 units of 500KVA distribution transformers from September 2017 till date and installed 7746 individual meters in 2018 alone.

In the statement, Idemudia explained that metering the distribution transformers (DT) will enable the company to determine the exact amount of energy consumed in an area, and that customers will be billed based on the readings from the meters installed at the transformers.

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According to him, the effort of EKEDC is being done to bridge metering gap of customers who are yet to have  individual meters. This is to significantly increase the accuracy of the bills distributed and help the company in its efforts to curb energy theft.

He pleaded with customers yet to be metered to bear with the company, stating that despite its inability to meter all its customers individually all efforts are on to meter all customers within their network.

EKEDC’s spokesperson also encouraged customers to assist the company in its fight against energy theft and unlawful activities by using its whistle-blowing platforms to reveal or report illegal and unethical activities.

In addition, he further stated that these platforms are safe, confidential and secure ways of alerting the company of illicit activities. It can also be used to report unscrupulous elements of the company that partake in illegal activities such as fraud and extortion of customers.

Meanwhile, the power firm advised customers to embrace modern electronic payment for electricity consumption as it works towards eliminating cash payment.

Mr Joseph Esenwa, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, explained that the effort is aimed at reducing payment queues at some of the EKEDC offices, pointing that embracing the electronic payment option would make customers enjoy conveniences.

Esenwa enjoined customers to take advantage of new multiple payment channels been provided by the company to ensure convenient and seamless payments and purchase of tokens.

He explained that the new payment options were designed to offer all customers security, greater convenience and choice, and also intended to make the payment process more efficient.

According to Esenwa, the EKEDC is working towards stopping receiving cash payment in its offices because it has provided many robust options for customers to pay electricity bills.

“There is really no need to come to the office for payment. Customers will save themselves from the inconvenience of being defrauded if they always make payments through our approved channels and collect their receipts. By expanding our payment platforms, customers can now make payments and purchase tokens seamlessly by using scratch card vouchers. These are sold by vendors and agents across its networks,” he said.

“An example is Quick teller which can be accessed on mobile devices and through internet banking on online banking portals. We are committed to providing our customers with the greatest level of  customer service and introducing these multiple secure and convenient payment channels is yet another aspect of our service offering.”