By Baban Khalid
The management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED Plc) has announced the commencement of the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) Metering Scheme, aimed at improving service delivery and bridging the metering gap across its franchise areas of Bauchi, Benue, Gombe, and Plateau States.
In a press release issued by the acting managing director/CEO, Alh. Mammanlafia Umar, and made available to journalists in Bauchi yesterday, it said the initiative will kick off with a pilot phase in Plateau State.
As part of the programme, JED Plc will install 109,000 prepaid meters free of charge exclusively for customers on Band A feeders across its coverage areas. The exercise, Umar explained, is strictly providing meters for existing unmetered customers and replacing faulty meters only on Band A Feeders.
He stressed that the scheme does not cover new connections, noting that all new connections must apply through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP), while no direct connection on Band A feeders will be allowed.
JED Plc emphasised that the DISREP meters are completely free while urging customers not to make any payments to staff or agents for meters or installations.
“Any customer who makes such payments does so at their own risk, as the company will not be liable for any losses incurred. Fraud-related complaints should be reported, with evidence, to our communication channels,” Umar warned.
The acting MD further highlighted that the new prepaid meters are equipped with advanced technology to enhance efficiency, security, and transparency.
Advanced technology features such as automated token uploads, eliminating the need for manual entry via the User Interface Unit (UIU); geo-lock functionality, ensuring meters only operate at the assigned GPS location in JED Pic’s database; and seamless meter capturing.
Others are real-time consumption monitoring, with alerts sent to JED Plc when tokens are exhausted or in cases of prolonged non-purchase; tamper and bypass detection, with instant notifications sent to JED Plc for any interference; as well as a complete installation kit comprising the meter, UIU (for checking token values), and a meter card.
“In line with regulatory requirements, customers benefiting from the DISREP Metering Scheme are required to visit the nearest JED Plc office after installation to validate their debt profile,” he added.
Eligible customers will also enjoy discount offers under the ongoing Debt Validation and Discount Promo, which offers a 30% discount for customers who clear their total debt in full and a 25% discount for customers who choose installment repayment within three years.
JED Plc appealed to all customers, especially those on Band A feeders, to cooperate fully with its staff during meter validation and profiling visits.
“For complaints or further clarifications, customers are encouraged to visit any JED Plc Customer Care Centre. Regular updates on the DISREP Metering Scheme will be shared via the company’s official social media platforms and website: www.jedplc.com,” the statement added.
