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Ibadan Disco plans to stop estimated billing

By on August 14, 2014

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company has restated its commitment to the eradication of billing by estimation and other corrupt practices that hinder effective distribution of electricity in its areas of franchise.

The Managing Director, IBEDC, Mr. Fortunato Leynes, made the disclosure at a customer forum in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Tuesday.

The forum, according to a statement by the company, was organised to create an atmosphere for positive dialogue among the IBEDC, its customers and other stakeholders so as to foster the development of best fit solutions for the identified problems and ensure that the firm met its customers’ needs and expectations.

Among the plans rolled out by the company was the engagement of an Australian company to produce customised meters that would give good service to customers and protect the interest of the electricity distributors when tampered with.

The IBEDC franchise area comprises Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and parts of Kwara, Kogi and Niger states.

Leynes said, “The company wants to eradicate billing by estimation. To ensure that every customer shall pay promptly and adequately for every kilowatts/hour consumed through accurate metering and billing, the IBEDC has started its meter roll out plan.

“While we are still in the process of buying meters, our customers without meters can be availed of meters through the Credit Advance Payment for Meter Improvement scheme.”

Under the CAPMI scheme, meters will be installed within 45 days and the IBEDC will refund to the customer the cost of the meter plus interest for a period of not more than 36 months, according to him.

The IBEDC boss promised that the company would employ the best hands and equipment to ensure that customers got the best service.

Many of the customers, who spoke on the occasion, highlighted some of the challenges they faced in their homes and businesses to include prepaid meters paid for and not installed, distribution of ‘crazy’ bills, corruption among workers of the company and outright blackout running into days and months.

Speaking at the event, Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatai Ahmed, who was represented by Mr. Gariel Jimoh of the Ministry of Energy and IT, while appealing for improved electricity supply, noted that the state had so far invested over N6bn in the energy sector and therefore deserved the best.

The governor also enjoined residents to take seriously the issue of security, especially of electrical installations in the state.

 

 

[Punch]