In a bid to enhance transparency and eradicate estimated billings, the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to provide free prepaid meters to 12,000 customers in the Rantya community of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau.
Abdul Mohammed, the Managing Director of JED, revealed the company’s commitment to deploying these meters during the launch of the Investor Financing Metering and Point of Sale (POS) Terminals at Rantya. He emphasized that metering is essential for accurate energy measurement and announced that the entire Rantya community, without exception, will benefit from this initiative.
Mohammed stressed the significance of this milestone, highlighting the company’s unwavering dedication to delivering excellent services to its customers. He also cautioned against energy theft and urged residents to safeguard the meters to facilitate further investments in energy infrastructure.
Notably, JED is absorbing the substantial costs of these meters, with single-phase meters valued at over N80,000 and three-phase meters at over N140,000. Mohammed urged the recipients to take ownership of the meters, report any faults officially to JED, and refrain from engaging unauthorized electricians to tamper with the meters.
To enforce compliance and deter energy theft, JED has enlisted the services of the Special Investigation and Prosecution Taskforce on Electricity Offences (SIPTEO), established by the Federal Government. This task force is tasked with investigating, prosecuting, and penalizing electricity thieves and vandals.
Mammanlafia Umar, the Chief Operating Officer of JED, implored the residents of Rantya to protect the meters against bypassing, underlining the need to preserve this investment to extend similar initiatives to other communities. He emphasized the pivotal role of community members in upholding the integrity of the meters and encouraged them to report any malpractices.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Rantya community, Da Pam Gyang, the District Head of Rantya, extended appreciation to JED for the transformative gesture and pledged to oversee the safekeeping of the meters.
This strategic endeavor by JED signifies a pivotal step towards equitable electricity distribution, curbing energy theft, and fostering a culture of communal responsibility. As JED sets a precedent with this laudable initiative, it sets the stage for broader adoption across the region and beyond, heralding a new era of transparent and accountable energy provision.
