Jos Disco Begins Free Prepaid Meters Installation For Band A Customers

The management of Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Company has commenced free Meter distribution under the sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), which aims to improve service delivery and bridge the metering gap in its franchise states of Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, and Gombe.

JED, in a statement issued in Jos by the acting head of Corporate Communication, Saratu Dauda, said the initiative would  begin with a pilot phase in Plateau State.

She pointed out that as part of this programme, JED Company will install 109,000 prepaid meters free of charge for only customers on Band A feeders across the Company.

Dauda further explained that the exercise will focus strictly on providing meters for existing unmetered customers and replacing faulty meters only on Band A Feeders, stressing that the scheme will not cover New Connections as all new connections must apply Via the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme, and no direct connection on Band A feeders will be allowed.

The Company also emphasised that the DISREP meters are completely free, adding that customers are strongly advised not to make any payments to staff or agents for meters or installations.

Part of the statement reads, “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 to our communication channels.

The new prepaid meters feature advanced technology to enhance efficiency, security, and transparency.

According to the statement, these include automated token uploads, eliminating the need for manual entry via the User Interface Unit (UIU) and Geo-lock functionality, and ensuring meters only operate at the assigned GPS location in JED Plc’s database.

She maintained that 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, as they will also be eligible for discount offers under the ongoing Debt Validation and Discount Promo, which offers.

“30 per cent discount for customers who fully clear their total debt.25 per cent discount for customers who choose an instalment repayment within three years.

JED further appealed to all customers, especially those on Band A feeders, to cooperate fully with its staff during meter validation and profiling visits.