JED Refutes Viral Claims Of Illegal Electricity Tariffs

JBJos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc has refuted claims made by some electricity analysts suggesting that the company charges tariffs different from those approved for distribution companies within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

In a statement issued on Friday and made available to journalists in Bauchi, the head of corporate communications, JED Plc, Saratu Aliyu Dauda, described the allegations as false, misleading, and inconsistent with the realities of the electricity tariff framework under which the company operates.

“The attention of Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc has been drawn to a viral video circulating on social media in which certain individuals, purporting to be electricity analysts, make unfounded claims suggesting that JED Plc charges electricity tariffs that differ from those approved for distribution companies operating within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry,” the statement said.

Dauda stressed that electricity tariffs are strictly regulated and approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities, adding that JED Plc, like all distribution companies, is only permitted to implement tariffs sanctioned by the regulator.

“Any deviation from these approved tariffs would constitute a regulatory breach and attract appropriate sanctions,” she stated.

According to the company, JED Plc remains committed to transparency, accountability, and full compliance with all regulatory directives guiding electricity service delivery in its franchise area.

“Our billing and tariff structures are implemented strictly in accordance with the approved tariff schedule applicable to our franchise area,” the statement added.

The company urged customers and members of the public to disregard the viral claims, advising them to rely only on verified information from its official communication channels and regulatory publications.

“In line with our customer-centric philosophy, customers with inquiries, complaints, or concerns regarding tariffs, billing, or any other service-related matter are encouraged to contact us through our customer care channels or visit the nearest JED Plc Customer Care Centre for clarification and prompt resolution,” it said.

JED Plc reiterated its commitment to transparency, service delivery, and regulatory compliance, thanking customers for their trust and understanding.

“We sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence reposed in us by our valued customers and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to delivering excellent service while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and regulatory compliance,” the statement concluded.

The clarification follows a viral video circulating on social media alleging that electricity consumers in Bauchi State pay higher tariffs compared to other parts of the country.

The video featured a resident comparing electricity units purchased under Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

The analysis, presented in Hausa and titled “Banbancin Kuɗin Wutar Lantarki na Arewacin Najeriya da Kudanci” (translated as “Difference in Electricity Prices Between Northern and Southern Nigeria”), claimed that customers under JED’s Band A tariff receive only 4.5 units for N1,000, while alleging that an IBEDC customer received 8.45 units for N90, though the tariff band used in the comparison was not specified.