The management of Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc, Benue State, has lamented the huge debt owed the company with a call on its customers to settle their energy consumption bills promptly.
The company made the revelation to newsmen through the State Operating Officer, Engr Felix Adamu Shalzim, who represented the Managing Director during the Customer Consultative Forum held at the Smiles View Hotel in Makurdi.
He said that the cumulative debt owed by JED Plc customers in Benue State totals N81 billion.
Engr Shalzim explained further that‘the average monthly energy consumption in Benue State stands at 33 million KWH, valued at three billion naira, while the company’s monthly revenue collection averages less than 30 percent.
‘The substantial debt owed to the company poses significant challenges to JEDCO’s operations and investment in network upgrades,’ he said.
He urged clienteles to pay their energy bills promptly, saying this would ensure the company’s sustainability.
Engr Felix announced the establishment of a task force to disconnect defaulting customers, regardless of their status as part of the company’s efforts to maintain high service quality.
During the forum, Abraham Uji presented safety guidelines, advising customers to avoid building under power lines and to install safety appliances, such as Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCB), Control Switch, and Change Switch.
He also warned against engaging unofficial personnel to work on the company’s grid.
Also speaking, Alhaji Umar, the Head of Customer Care and Relationship Management, assured customers that their concerns would be addressed promptly and encouraged them to utilise the company’s social media platforms to report any issues.
Head of Regulatory Compliance, Barr. Abdullahi Adamu, advised customers interested in investing in the network to ensure compliance with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) guidelines on third-party investments.
Supervisor of the Revenue Protection Unit, Edwin Omenka, warned customers against tampering with their prepaid meters, emphasising that offenders would face severe penalties.
The Head, Corporate Communications, Saratu Dauda, in a statement, said the Forum was convened to foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding between Jos Electricity Distribution Plc and its valued customers.
Meanwhile residents and JEDCO consumers in Makurdi and Gboko have decried the company’s inability to supply them constant energy during this heat period.
They alleged that JEDCO only flash them with electricity whenever the company wants to go out for distribution, payment and disconnection exercise.
Mr Samuel Nyikaa, former chairman, Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) and resident of Akpehe in Makurdi said, “We have not received electricity supply for nearly a month now.
“JEDCO has a decayed network system and is not maintaining them properly whenever it is due’
Also corroborating, Ms Eli Omale said: erratic power supply and high cost of electricity is frustrating lives and businesses in Benue State, especially Makurdi.
