Several customers of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company have decried the challenges inherent in lack of adequate information from the organisation on changes in policies.
Speaking, with Arewa PUNCH penultimate Tuesday, Amin Dawa, a concerned customer, described it as frustrating, adding that smooth communication would improve service delivery.
Our correspondent reports that many of the customers lament that the company was in the habit of introducing new policies without adequate information for customers to be enlightened.
Another customer who simply identified himself as Tony thus pleaded during a customer resolution campaign organised by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, which was attended by staff of JEDC and other stakeholders that the service provider improves on its game.
Meanwhile, Dawa also urged JEDC to be more transparent and proactive in informing customers about upcoming changes or new rules, even as he emphasised the need for timely notification to allow customers prepare and adjust accordingly.
He said, “As customers, we complain about the delayed installation and repair of transformers and meters. We demand improved service delivery and regular updates from JED to address these issues.
“There is the need for greater transparency and accountability as customers seek a more inclusive and customer-centred approach from JEDC. By listening to customer concerns, JEDC can improve its services and build trust with its customer base.”
Ado Tumfure (WHO IS HE?) commended NERC and JEDC for the engagement saying that it would yield the desired change. “I want to thank them for organising this meeting it’s our expectation that it will improve the service in the state.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of JEDC Abdu Bello Mohammed, who was represented by Engineer Hamisu Jigawa, Chief Technical Officer, explained that the event aims at educating customers about their rights and responsibilities, as well as the operations of the electricity sector.
Mohammed, who expressed satisfaction with the event’s outcome, stated, “It has achieved its goal of raising awareness among customers about their rights and the distribution company’s responsibilities.”
He agreed that many customers were unaware of certain issues, such as investment regulations and meter repairs, and emphasised the need for continued enlightenment to reduce complaints and challenges.
On vandalism, the MD stressed the importance of collaboration in preventing vandalism towards reliable energy supply. “Communities should take ownership of security of installations and report any suspicious activities around transmission towers and distribution facilities. The company aims to provide 24/7 electricity supply to all customers within its franchise, but this requires investment in infrastructure and customer support through prompt bill payment and avoidance of energy theft,” Mohammed advised.
He highlighted JED’s progress in metering, disclosing that more tĥan 34 per cent of customers were fully metered, even we acknowledge the Federal Government’s initiatives to addressing the metering gap.”