Nnewi Community Gives EEDC Conditions Before Accepting Pre-Paid Meter

Ndi Nnewi has told the management of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) that its community will never ask for the previous prepaid meters to be replaced and will not pay a kobo peradventure the EEDC decides to change the meters, insisting that the new meters must be installed instantly as the old one is being removed

This verdict was passed in a customer forum which was in the form of interactive session with EEDC in Nnewi.

The Head Of Security EEDC, Mr. Frank Ejiofor who represented the Managing Director, Okey Nwosu, in his remark said gathering like these is necessary so as to get feedback and listen to their customers.

Ejiofor expressed optimism believing that all the issues raised will be resolved. “We will continue to engage our customers to get suggestions from them because we cannot create policies that will affect our customers negatively”. he stated

The Head of Health Safety Environment EEDC, Mr. Francis Iwu, while speaking on the safety maintained that the safety of ndi Nnewi and that of their staff is important. He informed the audience that several measures will be put in place to protect transformers against any form of vandalism.

Iwu regretted on several avoidable death recorded due to carelessness or negligence of customers. He advised those who intend to cut or trim trees under high-tension, to inform EEDC before doing so.

The Head Customer Service EEDC. Ijeoma Ogudebe while reacting to the questions and issues raised said the decisions of EEDC are for the betterment of its customers. She spoke extensively on Meter Assert Provider (MAP) advising customers to key into the program.

Engineer Dickson Azubuike added stating that ‘Pre-paid Meter is a national issue. according to him, “This programme started July 2019, and over 25,000 customers in the southeast, have keyed into it. We urge all our customers to do soo.

For those who will be interested, do not pay to any of our staff, all transactions must be done online. The moment you apply with your Identity card, with the correct details, you will get the necessary steps to follow”.

Despite their all efforts to convince those in attendance, Sir Engr Ajulu Uzodike (Ozi Uzo Nnewi), President, Cutix Group, Ambassador Odi Nwosu, as well Sir Engr Emeka Nzewi and Hon Benneth Ngonadi clearly stated the following as the stand of Nnewi on the meter issue:

“Nnewi is happy with the old prepaid meters and have no complaints about them for now. we have held several meetings on this issue, Nnewi doesn’t sanction the removal of meters anymore and is ever ready to engage the EEDC in a legal tussle over this issue to its logical conclusion.

These points were loudly cheered for by Ndi Nnewi and responded positively and in unison with the submissions

Other speakers advised EEDC to collaborate with community securities close to their substation in other to safeguard transformers against vandals.

In response to the questions and suggestions, Mr. Frank Ejiofor submitted that they will go back, and deliberate over the stance declared by Nnewi on the issue and will get back to the people very soon

Despite all this, Ndi Nnewi still remain adamant that the 10MW Independent Power Station, proposed by the Rt Hon Chris Emeka Azubogu, remains the best option as faith in EEDC is fast eroding

Will the EEDC respect the wishes of Nnewi or will they ignore their customers and get involved in a lawsuit over their own illegality?

The meeting came to a close after the EEDC gave number (084700100) with which Ndi Nnewi can access the EEDC 24/7 Call Center in Enugu directly as well as another number for Whistle Blowing services