Electricity consumers in Bauchi have expressed cautious optimism over the rollout of 109,251 free prepaid meters for Band A customers by Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), saying they will only be convinced by visible results.
The concerns were raised during the company’s Quarterly Customer Consultative Forum, where residents highlighted persistent challenges, including erratic power supply, faulty transformers, and billing irregularities.
Chairman of the Customer Consultative Forum, Hassan Ibrahim, said many consumers still face estimated billing despite making payments, with some receiving charges between N10,000 and N20,000.
He noted that while JEDC has promised improvements, customers expect concrete action to address the issues.
“We have heard several assurances, but what matters to us is actual change. Many communities are still battling low voltage and frequent outages,” he said.
A customer, Pastor Daniel Numshi Balewa, expressed frustration over repeated promises of meter installations that have yet to materialise.
“We will only be convinced when we begin to see tangible changes,” he said, adding that poor supply and high bills remain a burden on residents.
Another consumer, Aliko Mohammed Azare, raised concerns over the handling of faulty transformers, alleging that communities are often left to fund repairs.
“It is the responsibility of the electricity company to fix or replace transformers, but this is not being properly done,” he said.
While announcing the meter rollout, JEDC officials said the exercise targets existing unmetered customers and those with faulty meters on Band A feeders, assuring that the meters are free.
The company also pledged to address minor faults promptly and improve service delivery, but customers insist that only consistent power supply and fair billing will restore their confidence.
