A meeting was convened between officials of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and residents of Otan-Ayegbaju in Boluwaduro local government area of Osun state to address growing unrest over electricity billing and customer harassment. The community had been experiencing tension between residents and power distribution workers, with allegations of illegal disconnections without due process. The meeting aimed to resolve the ongoing dispute and find a lasting solution to the billing crisis.
The Owa of Otan-Ayegbaju, Oba Lukman Ojo-Fadipe, expressed his displeasure over the recurring confrontations between residents and power distribution workers. He warned against activities that could trigger chaos and urged community leaders to work towards a lasting solution. The traditional ruler also cautioned parents to restrain their children from assaulting IBEDC staff carrying out their lawful duties. He emphasized the need for peace and stability in the community.
Chief Emmanuel Adeleke, the Saloro of Otan-Ayegbaju, criticized IBEDC's estimated billing practices, citing his own experience of not having electricity supply for three months yet receiving continuous energy bills. He demanded that the utility provider cease charging customers for unconsumed power. This sentiment was echoed by other community members who felt that the estimated billing system was unfair and led to harassment by utility workers.
Responding on behalf of IBEDC, Mr. Adesegun Alaketu, urged customers to clear their outstanding bills and promised that prepaid meters would be rolled out across the community to resolve billing discrepancies. He explained that customers with outstanding debts on legacy meters could either settle their balances or agree to a structured payment plan integrated into their new prepaid meters. This move aims to provide a fair and transparent billing system.
Adesegun Alaketu further clarified that houses with existing meters would receive prepaid units at no cost, while unmetered properties must apply and pay for their meters upfront, with the cost refunded over time through monthly energy tokens. He also addressed concerns over higher tariffs, revealing that Otan-Ayegbaju had been upgraded to 'Band A' status due to meeting the required daily supply thresholds. This upgrade is expected to improve the overall electricity supply in the area.
The IBEDC official appealed to residents to practice energy conservation, noting that many households leave outdoor lights on during daytime hours. He reiterated that the company does not bill properties based on physical size and consistently issues monthly refund tokens to customers who purchased their meters under previous schemes. This clarification aimed to address concerns and misconceptions about IBEDC's billing practices.
The introduction of prepaid meters is expected to bring relief to the community, providing a fair and transparent billing system. The community leaders and IBEDC officials have agreed to work together to implement the prepaid meter system and resolve the billing crisis. The meeting marked a significant step towards resolving the tension between residents and power distribution workers in Otan-Ayegbaju.
Key points
- IBEDC to roll out prepaid meters in Otan-Ayegbaju to resolve billing discrepancies
- Community leaders and IBEDC officials agree to work together to implement prepaid meter system
- IBEDC clarifies billing practices, addressing concerns over estimated billing and tariffs
