The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has reassured power consumers of its readiness to handle every power distribution complaints brought to its notice.
Speaking at the hearing organized by the National Electricity Regulatory commission NERC, the CEO of EEDC, Mr Praveen Chorghade said the company has the interest of their customers at heart and will seek means of solving all the power challenges facing them.
He also appealed to the consumers to support EEDC in the discharge of their responsibility and also protect EEDC installation for quality power supply.
He advised consumers who complain of high billing to always ask of the credit position of the building they are moving into to avoid transfer of old debt to them as new occupants.
The Electricity boss also maintained that there should be a high level of trust between EEDC and its customers, and advised on prompt payment of bills to avoid disconnections and to enable the company serve them better.
He also decried the vandalization of EEDC installation by criminals but urged the public to always protect these assets to avoid them experiencing power outage within their locality.
However some of the customers who spoke at the event expressed displeasure over the activities of EDDC. They argued that the company needs to expedite action for efficient power distribution as they stated that the company is not living up to its billing.
Others complained of high cost of billing even when they can’t guarantee energy usage and wonder how such bills are generated and expressed worry concerning the use of estimated billing without bill calculator.
The Chief Technical officer of EEDC, Mr. Ekwekwu Vincent while responding to some of the complaints disclosed that sometimes bill estimation is against EEDC and customers as well while admitting that unjust bills can be adjusted.
He however disclosed that the customers have right to statement of their account if in doubt of billing and noted that it’s unacceptable for consumers to be out of circuit and still receive bills.
The Head of Communication EEDC, Mr. Emeka Eze who spoke to newsmen said the meeting was to enlighten power consumers of their rights and obligation and also intimate them of the activities of the company.
He also maintained that the customers have an option of applying for a prepaid meter if not satisfied with the estimated billing system and assured that the issues raised at the complaints Resolution will be handled efficiently to ensure an equitable distribution of power.
Earlier, NERC commissioner, Aisha Mahmud disclosed that the regulatory commission will ensure that all complaints are handled at the spot while technical ones will be taken care of as well.
Mahmud also remarked that some electricity regulations are under review and will be uploaded as soon as possible and assured of its resolve to handle the issue of metering which is posing a great challenge to consumers.
