Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Plc, said it has metered over 30,000, customers within its franchise states of Edo, Ekiti , Ondo and Delta in 60 days.
The Head, metering of BEDC, Engr Orerome Ofu disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Benin City.
According to Engr Ofu, with the introduction of the online application of meters by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission ( NERC ), out of the 48,000 customers that applied so far, over 30,000 customers have been metered, having gone through the metering process stages.
By this development, Ofu said, it will improve service delivery and streamline the billing process.
Ofu said the new meter application process became necessary sequel to the fact that before now, applying for meters was combersome, but with the introduction of the four steps of : Application, Evaluation, Payment and Metering, it became easier for customers to purchase meters.
He commended the MD / CEO of the company, Mr Deolu Ijose for his steadfastness and foresight in ensuring that the metering gap was closed through the introduction of new map vendors who were bringing in meters to ease the yearnings of customers.
He also used the opportunity to commend the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission ( NERC ) for giving BEDC an avenue of which customers can process meters and monitor the metering process.
On the payment procedure for meters, Engr Ofu said, the single phase meters are sold for 88,123.30, while the 3 phase goes for 154,623.81, but warned that money should not be paid directly to any staff or installer, but through BEDC MAP application system.
The Head, metering however advised Customers desirous to buy meters to log into the company’s website of www.beninelectric.com or proceed to the company’s Customers service department in the various regions to indicate their interest.
Engr Ofu frowned at the issue of meter bypass and tampering. adding that; the company condemns the act in all its entirety, and as a matter of company policy, anyone caught will be prosecuted.