Introduction to the Metre Installation Initiative
The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) has commenced the installation of 109,000 free prepaid metres to its customers on its Band A feeders. This initiative is part of the company’s efforts to improve service delivery and bridge the metering gap in its franchise areas.
The Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) Metering Scheme
The gesture is in line with JED’s Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) Metering Scheme. The scheme aims to provide metres for existing unmetered customers and replace faulty meters only on Band A feeders. According to JED’s acting Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs Saratu Daudu, the exercise began on Monday and will focus strictly on providing metres for existing customers.
Features of the New Prepaid Metres
The new prepaid metres feature advanced technology to enhance efficiency, security, and transparency. Some of the features include automated token uploads, which eliminate the need for manual entry via the User Interface Unit (UIU). The metre’s geo-lock functionality ensures that metres only operate at the assigned GPS location in JED Plc’s database. The new prepaid metres also allow customers to have real-time consumption monitoring, with alerts sent to JED PLC when tokens are exhausted or in cases of prolonged non-purchase.
Benefits and Requirements for Customers
Customers benefiting from the DISREP Metering Scheme are required to visit the nearest JED office after installation to validate their debt profile. They will also be eligible for discount offers under the ongoing debt validation and discount promo. A 30 per cent discount will be given to customers who clear their total debt in full, while customers who choose to repay their debts in instalments within three years will enjoy a 25 per cent discount.
Warning to Customers
The official emphasized that the DISREP metres are completely free of charge and warned customers who are unmetered on its Band A feeders not to make any payments to staff or agents for metres or installations. Any customer who makes such payments does so at their own risk, as the company will not be liable for any losses incurred.
Call to Action
Daudu appealed to all customers, especially those on Band A feeders, to cooperate fully with its staff during metre validation and profiling visits. She urged the company’s clients to report fraud-related complaints with evidence through the company’s communication channels.
Conclusion
The installation of 109,000 free prepaid metres by JED is a significant step towards improving service delivery and bridging the metering gap in its franchise areas. The company’s efforts to provide advanced technology metres and offer discount incentives to customers are commendable. However, customers must be cautious and not make any payments to staff or agents for metres or installations.
FAQs
- What is the DISREP Metering Scheme?
The DISREP Metering Scheme is an initiative by JED to provide metres for existing unmetered customers and replace faulty meters only on Band A feeders. - How many metres will be installed under the scheme?
109,000 free prepaid metres will be installed under the scheme. - What are the features of the new prepaid metres?
The new prepaid metres feature advanced technology, including automated token uploads, geo-lock functionality, and real-time consumption monitoring. - Are customers required to make any payments for the metres or installations?
No, the DISREP metres are completely free of charge, and customers should not make any payments to staff or agents for metres or installations.
