The Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc has called for stronger cooperation from electricity consumers in Benue State to improve service delivery. JED's Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Sediko Douka, made the call at JED's Customer Consultative Forum/Town Hall meeting in Makurdi. The meeting was part of activities marking Customer Service Week. Douka urged customers to pay their bills, report energy theft, and protect power infrastructure.
Douka, represented by JED's State Operation Officer in Benue, Comrade Ojochide Agbata, said the company was committed to strengthening its relationship with customers through responsiveness, accountability, and continuous improvement. The theme of the forum was "The Extra Mile," emphasizing customer feedback as vital to improving electricity services. Agbata said the forum aimed to bring JED closer to consumers and obtain feedback on challenges affecting service delivery.
Agbata acknowledged that customer satisfaction could not always be absolute but said the company was doing its best within available resources to meet consumers' needs. He urged customers to reciprocate the company's efforts by paying their electricity bills and reporting illegal activities, particularly energy theft and vandalism. JED is implementing its metering program in phases, beginning with Band A customers before extending it to Band B.
The Head of Corporate Communication, JED, Saratu Dauda, said the Makurdi forum was the grand finale of the company's Customer Service Week activities. Dauda stated that customer satisfaction and feedback remained priorities due to the socio-economic importance of electricity to the communities served by the company. Complaints beyond the capacity of the state office were escalated to JED's headquarters in Jos.
Traditional rulers in Benue, including HRM Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji and HRH Emmanuel Okochi, commended JED for engaging customers directly but appealed for improved electricity supply to Benue South. They urged residents to pay for electricity consumed, shun energy theft, and protect JED infrastructure from vandalism. The traditional rulers proposed a direct liaison desk between JED and their palace to facilitate faster resolution of complaints.
Other stakeholders, including Ihuman Alphonsis, Senior Deputy Director, Works and Maintenance Unit, Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo (FUTSHO), urged JED to improve its electricity vending system. Alphonsis said some customers encountered difficulties purchasing electricity units through their smartphones, forcing them to visit JED offices for assistance. He also appealed for improved power supply to the community.
JED has invested in expanding and upgrading its network to meet the demands of a growing population and changing economy. The company has also engaged security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to address issues with meter installation and vandalism. Customers can use JED's social media platforms and email channels to lodge complaints and obtain feedback.
Key points
- JED Plc seeks cooperation from electricity consumers in Benue State to improve service delivery.
- The company urges customers to pay their bills, report energy theft, and protect power infrastructure.
- JED has invested in expanding and upgrading its network to meet the demands of a growing population and changing economy.
