EEDC urges customers to discountenance video on issuance of free prepaid meters

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has urged its esteemed customers to discountenance video in the social media on issuance of
free prepaid meters by a purported individual.

This is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Enugu by the EEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh.

Ezeh said that the attention of the EEDC had been drawn to a video circulating on the social media space, made by Mazi Okechukwu Nwuche, who claims to be a lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra and the Anambra State Chairman of South-East Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA).

He noted that Nwuche was purporting that “EEDC is calling on its customers to apply for free prepaid meter”, adding that “this information from Nwuche is not only incorrect but laced with mischief aimed at misleading unsuspecting customers and creating confusion within the space.”

According to him, whilst EEDC encourages its customers in need of meters to apply and have their premises metered, it is important that they are armed with the right information, and that they also understand the procedure in place for meter acquisition.

“EEDC clearly states that the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) metering scheme remains the available metering option for customers who want to acquire prepaid meters.

“This arrangement allows the customers to pay for the meter and be reimbursed through energy, over a period. All they need to do is simply log on to the EEDC website (www.enugudisco.com) and fill the meter application form to initiate the process.

“Alternatively, customers can visit their respective district offices or service centers with a copy of their bills for further assistance by the customer service representatives.

“It is pertinent to note that customers living in communities that are under a bulk billing arrangement cannot apply individually for prepaid meters, except the community opts to be debulked, which will require enumeration and creation of account for the individual customers.

“That is the only time individual customers within such a community can apply to be metered,” he said.

Ezeh noted that regarding the issue of “free meter” to customers; recently, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) came up with an initiative specifically designed to close the metering gap for unmetered customers within the Band “A” Feeders.

The EEDC spokesman said that modalities for this programme would be made known to customers once it is ready.

Ezeh noted that it was the responsibility of EEDC to provide its customers with accurate information, adding that customers are therefore advised to always seek clarification and make enquiries on issues of concern through the approved EEDC communication channels.

“These include its website (www.enugudisco.com), social media handles (Facebook, X, and Instagram), 24/7 Call Center (02084700100) or by visiting the Customer Service Unit at the District Office.

“Misinformation spread by opinionated individuals like Nwuche and his group members (SEECA) should not be given any credence, as they are out to mislead and misinform unsuspecting customers thereby creating confusion among EEDC customers.

“EEDC remains committed to providing improved service to its esteemed customers,” he added.