109, 000 Jos DisCo customers to get free meters

Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, says it has commenced the distribution of free prepaid meters to Band A customers within its franchise area, under the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) Metering Scheme.

The company said this is part of the continuous effort aimed at improving services and bridging the metering gap in its franchise areas of Bauchi, Benue, Gombe and Plateau States.

In a press statement issued by JEDC acting Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Saratu Daudu, the company said that the initiative would begin with a pilot phase in Plateau State.

Daudu said that the exercise would focus strictly on providing meters for existing unmetered customers and replacing faulty meters only on Band A Feeders.

“As part of this programme, JED Plc will install 109,000 prepaid meters free of charge for only customers on Band A feeders across the Company.

“The scheme will not cover New Connections as all new connections must apply Via the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme and no direct connection on Band A feeders will be allowed.”

While emphasising that the DISREP meters were completely free, JED strongly advised customers not to make any payments to staff or agents for meters or installations.

According to the company, any customer who makes such payments does so at their own risk, as the company will not be liable for any losses incurred.

Daudu, however, urged customers to report suspected fraud-related complaints with evidence to the company’s communication channels.

The company further stated that in line with regulatory requirements, customers benefiting from the DISREP Metering Scheme were required to visit the nearest JED Plc office after installation to validate their debt profile.

“JED Plc appeals to all customers, especially those on Band A feeders to cooperate fully with its staff during meter validation and profiling visits.”