Jos Disco and Consumers Engage in Dialogue Over Persistent Blackouts and Estimated Bills
In a significant stakeholder meeting held in Bauchi on Wednesday, the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) engaged directly with its consumers to address pressing issues, including low electricity supply, outrageous and estimated billings, low voltage, and faulty transformers. The dialogue aimed to foster transparency and improve service delivery amid widespread complaints from residents.
Consumer Complaints Highlight Systemic Issues
During the meeting, numerous electricity consumers voiced their frustrations over poor supply and unfair billing practices. One participant, Ugochukwu John Okonkwo, a resident of Rafin Surfi in Bauchi, highlighted the dual problems of loadshedding and high billing. He explained that the community's transformer is overloaded, serving not only their area but also parts of neighboring communities, leading to frequent power cuts.
Okonkwo emphasized the inconsistency in billing, stating, "Our major issue is loadshedding. This is happening because of the capacity of our transformer which has been overloaded. On loadshedding, there is insincerity in the billing. Since we are under the loadshedding arrangement, it is expected that one gets a reduced bill due to shortage in supply, but no, we are being charged as though we are consuming light for 30 days a month." He further noted that while their billing slip indicates they are on Band B, which should provide at least 12 hours of electricity per day, the community only receives a maximum of three hours.
Council and Company Responses
The Chairman of the Electricity Consumers Council in Bauchi State, Hassan Ibrahim, outlined the key issues raised by consumers, which include supply shortages, billing discrepancies, and the need for repairs to electric equipment. He reported that JED has pledged to address these concerns to enhance service quality. Ibrahim added, "Some of our members raised issues of extra charges after payment of energy charges. Some complained that about N10,000 or N20,000 is being charged apart from their bills. They've pledged to look into these."
Metering Initiatives and Future Plans
In response to the complaints, Dr. Auwal Anwar, the head of metering at JED, detailed the company's efforts to improve the situation. He announced that JED has commenced the installation of 109,251 free prepaid meters under its Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), specifically targeting Band A feeder customers. These new digital meters are designed to be highly reliable and capable of withstanding all climatic conditions.
Anwar clarified, "These meters are advanced, reliable, and you do not need to pay a kobo to anyone." He emphasized that the scheme is intended for existing unmetered customers and those with faulty meters on Band A feeders, excluding new connections. This initiative aims to reduce estimated billing and provide more accurate consumption tracking.
Appreciation and Call for Support
Hafiz Saleh Hassan, the Bauchi State operating officer of JED, commended customers for their patience and loyalty despite the intermittent power supply. He urged them to continue supporting the company, describing JED and its consumers as "partners in progress." This dialogue marks a step toward resolving long-standing issues and fostering a collaborative relationship between the utility provider and its users.
