Emma Elekwa
FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited on Friday warned customers to be wary of those it referred to as fake meter contractors and agents to avert extortions.
Managing Director, Mr. Okechukwu Okafor who gave the charge during the Stakeholders Engagement Meeting for customers in the Ogidi/Obosi/Aguleri Districts urged customers to deal with the firm directly to guarantee seamless transactions.
The engagement was part of the Company’s ongoing commitment to strengthening communication with customers, promoting transparency in its operations.
It also provided platform for constructive dialogue on electricity supply, service delivery, and other matters affecting customers within the district.
Okafor who admitted apparent frustrations in the sector, restated the firm’s commitment to addressing challenges affecting electricity supply and in building more efficient and reliable power distribution system.
He said, “The electricity sector is quite challenging, especially in a developing country like ours. It affects the entire economy because of its sensitivity and necessity.
“Nigeria had made certain mistakes in the past, not only in the power sector, but in other aspects of national life. The tension is increasing and we’re very empathetic with customers.
“According to World bank indices, any family that doesn’t consume up to 1000 units of electricity in a month is regarded as poor.
“Meanwhile, the cost of electricity is not different in Nigeria when compared with Egypt and South Africa. Yet, we can’t afford it like others because of our poor purchasing power.
“Just as an unemployed father would apologize to his children over his inability to meet their basic needs, we’re here to say we’re sorry, very sorry for the situation we’ve found ourselves.
“We’re frustrated, as much as you are butnot folding our arms, saying only we’re sorry.
“FirstPower is desperately looking for other sources of energy supply to meet the demands.
“We’re doing that in collaboration with state regulators and businessmen to see how we can achieve embedded generation. But we need lots of approvals.
Plan for fair billing
“Also in consideration is a kind of righteousness relationship in terms of billing with the customers.
“We’ve been able to install a 2,500 daily capacity meter lab in Onitsha to improve meter availability and service delivery.
“There is the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme which enables electricity customers to pay for and quickly obtain prepaid meters.
“That happens often within 10 working days, to replace estimated billing.”
He commended participants for their attendance despite busy schedules.
The MD encouraged them to take advantage of the available opportunities to ensure they enjoyed better services.
“We keep dialoguing until we achieve our target. It’s only when you’re metered that you can have a righteous metering,” he added.
Highlights of the engagement included presentations on safety standards and procedures by Head of Safety, Effects and Dangers of vandalism by Head Technical, interactive sessions by participants, among others.
