Jos: The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) has started the installation of 109,000 free prepaid meters for its customers on Band A feeders. The initiative, which is part of JED’s Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) Metering Scheme, aims to improve service delivery and address the metering gap in the franchise areas of Bauchi, Benue, Gombe, and Plateau states. According to JED’s acting Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Saratu Daudu, the exercise began on Monday following an announcement made on Tuesday in Jos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the focus of the exercise is on providing meters for existing unmetered customers and replacing faulty meters on Band A feeders. Customers will receive a complete installation kit, which includes the meter, a User Interface Unit (UIU) for checking token values, and a meter card. However, the scheme will not cover new connections. New connections must be made through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme, as no direct connection on Band A feeders is allowed.
The new prepaid meters feature advanced technology designed to enhance efficiency, security, and transparency. Automated token uploads eliminate the need for manual entry via the UIU, and the meter’s geo-lock functionality ensures it operates only at the assigned GPS location in JED Plc’s database. Customers will benefit from real-time consumption monitoring, with alerts sent to JED PLC when tokens are exhausted or in cases of prolonged non-purchase. The meters also include tamper and bypass detection features, with instant notifications sent to JED PLC for any interference.
Daudu emphasized that customers benefiting from the DISREP Metering Scheme are required to visit the nearest JED office after installation to validate their debt profile. These customers are eligible for discount offers under the ongoing debt validation and discount promo, which includes a 30 percent discount for those who clear their total debt in full. Customers opting to repay their debts in installments within three years will receive a 25 percent discount.
The DISREP meters are provided free of charge, and Daudu warned unmetered customers on Band A feeders not to make any payments to staff or agents for meters or installations. Such payments are made at the customer’s own risk, as the company will not be liable for any losses incurred.
Daudu appealed to all customers, particularly those on Band A feeders, to cooperate with staff during meter validation and profiling visits. She urged customers to report any fraud-related complaints with evidence through the company’s communication channels.