The Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED Plc) says that deductions currently being experienced by customers during vending were for debt recovery.

JED’s Head of Corporate Communications, Saratu Dauda, made the clarification during an interview on Thursday in Jos.

Ms Dauda stated that the deductions were a structured debt repayment scheme designed to recover outstanding balances.

The communication head said that a significant number of the company’s metered customers across its franchise areas were recently enrolled in the scheme as part of efforts to improve billing transparency and ensure sustainable electricity supply.

According to her, the scheme covered customers with previously accumulated unpaid bills, as well as those yet to pay for preloaded energy units issued with prepaid meters, usually ranging from 20 to 100 units depending on meter type.

She further said that the outstanding debts had been integrated into affected customers’ accounts, with repayments structured through deductions at the point of vending.

Ms Dauda added that a flexible repayment plan had been introduced, with monthly deductions starting from ₦2,000, depending on the total debt owed.

“The deductions observed during vending transactions represent repayment contributions toward outstanding balances, while the remaining value is credited as electricity units.

“The company put in place several support mechanisms to ensure transparency and customer satisfaction, such as dedicated customer care channels across all its franchise areas to assist with enquiries, complaints, and account reconciliation.

“JED remains committed to a transparent, fair, and customer-centric process and will continue to engage openly with its customers to address concerns and build trust,” she added.

Most JED consumers in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis have expressed concern over the issuance of ‘indebtedness’ messages when vending for electricity.

Several customers said that upon purchasing electricity worth ₦5,000, an amount of ₦2,000 is deducted, with only ₦3,000 worth of units credited to their meters, alongside a notification indicating outstanding debt claims they strongly dispute.

This situation has led to widespread complaints, with many consumers accusing the company of unfair practices and exploitation.

 (NAN)