Energy Briefs
THE Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, KEDCO, has set a fixed minimum bill remittance for consumers in some communities in Kaduna state. The Disco said the communities must meet the target before getting power supply.
The company said its decision followed an agreement with leaders of four communities within Kaduna city on estimated billing payment system. Musa Usman, area manager, Rigasa Area Office, KEDCO, said the measure became necessary following drastic fall in revenue collection of the company in the state.
“Leaders of four communities under the Rigasa Area Office have agreed on the minimum amount for their monthly bills’ payment while the KEDCO will accord the communities priority in power supply. This is part of the outcome of the recent town hall meetings and agreements reached between the company and community leaders from Kinkinau, Government House Feeder, Hayin Danmani and Rigasa in Kaduna South, Kaduna North and Igabi Local Government Councils of Kaduna State.
“All electricity users in the areas shall pay their monthly current charges and a fraction of their outstanding where applicable,” he said.
Usman said three of the communities were until recently placed on the company’s priority feeders, but were later downgraded due to the customers’ poor response to payment of monthly electricity bills. The Area manager said the agreement would hopefully scale up the declining revenue in the area and other parts of the state.
According to him, the decision was based on what the company realised in its monthly collection lately, which was less than 30 percent of the cost of the electricity supplied to consumers. “We cannot afford to fold our arms and watch the company defaulting in its obligations.
“The experience in which some DISCOS were suspended from the electricity market due to default should not be allowed to happen to us here.”
Usman expressed optimism that the company’s new strategy would yield desired results as both parties are committed to work together in addressing concerns raised during the town hall meeting .
– Aug. 23, 2019 @ 14:25 GMT |
Tags: KEDCO fixes minimum bill remittance for communities to get electricity
