The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) says it is determined to close the meter gap and end estimated billings within its franchise area.

Busolami Tunwase, Lead Media Relations of IBEDC, made the assertions on Tuesday at a roadshow of IBEDC mobile map initiative in Ibadan.

Ms Tunwase said the company had been to places like Ibadan, Ogun and Osun, adding that it would not relent until its customers have meters.

“This is for customers in Akanran and Oyo environs. This is upscaling our customers service delivery to be faster and closer to the people, as well as meet the yearnings of our customers.

“Metering is a major issue and IBEDC is determined to close the metering gap for our customers, hence, the mobile map.

“You don’t have to wait for estimated billing, you can change the narrative by going for pre-payment meter so that you can control your energy usage.

“This is one of the many initiatives; we have to reposition the business and to also help us serve them better, especially when the bills are properly paid; the issue of estimated billings and wrong or late bills are sorted out,” she said.

Also, Adebowale Adeogun, the Manager of Integrated Resources Limited, in charge of IBEDC Region, said the company for now was covering Akanran and Oyo Business Hub, “and we are taking the scheme to customers”.

According to Mr Adeogun, we want to correct the perspective that there is no meter or that meters are scarce or that they are hoarding meters. But with the scheme, you will get the meter in 24 hours.

“The advantage of the scheme is that once customers do it, it won’t take long to get the meter. It is a fast-tracked method of getting metres with N63,000 for single phase and N117,000 for three phases.

“Customers will be paid back their money used to purchase the meter in tranches as they are vending, because every meter is the property of the distribution companies,” he said.

Mr Adeogun then assured the customers that the meters were durable and designed to withstand Nigeria’s weather, saying it had gone through various standardisation and certification processes.

“There will also be sales support service, if after installation, the meter developed any issue, within like space of time, we will replace the meter,” Mr Adeogun said.

(NAN)