Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC) yesterday distributed 40,000 units of pre-paid meters free of charge to its customers in selected communities to boost electricity distribution and maximise profit as part of the programs of Transmission Company of Nigeria, (TCN) assisted by World Bank.
Speaking during a Community sensitization programme held in Kaduna, the General Manager, Project Monitoring Unit of TCN, Engineer Joseph Chiroma, said the Pre-paid meters were part of the World Bank projects aimed at ensuring that the less privilege in the society enjoys electricity without hassle.
Engr. Chiroma added that 18,000 of the pre-paid meter have been installed in Gonin Gora while Ungwan Romi and Makera communities would share the remaining figure.
He warned that the meters are supplied free to customers, while calling on customers to report anybody who demands for any ransom before installation.
“This is two way traffic; we are assisting you as consumers to ensure that you only pay for what you consume, at the same time, helping the distribution company to increase their revenue because gone are the days when people consume electricity without paying while others were being charged for what they did not consume. The prepaid meter will check mate all these.
“I’m also happy to inform you that we did not bring staff from Abuja or Lagos to install the meters, but rather, we pick 198 of your children trained them and today, they are the ones installing the meters and they will also be here to help in case of any problem. You can see we are also providing employment for unemployed,” he said.
The Managing Director of KEDC, Alhaji Idris Mohammed said he was elated about the free distribution of prepaid meters, which has become a reality today. He pleaded with consumers to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring they pay their bills and report any vandalization of PHCN installations in their communities.
A community leader from Ungwar Romi, who spoke on behalf of other communities, thanked TCN and World Bank for providing them with pre-paid meters. He promised that they will protect and maintain PHCN installations around them.