*Promises whistle blowers 20%

By Sebastine Obasi

EKO Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDC) has offered to pay 20 per cent of the money recovered from electricity thefts to anyone who reports such.

Mr Oladele Amoda, the Chief Executive Officer of EKEDC, announced this at a stakeholders’ forum with Festac Town residents in Lagos.

Amoda said the measure became necessary against the backdrop of over N1 billion lost to the various forms of electricity theft and vandalism in the zone.

Vandalised equipment

The CEO, who was represented by Mr Sam Nwaire, the Chief Operating Officer, said it cost the company about N1billion in the last three years to replace vandalised equipment and damaged meters by customers in a bid to bypass the meters.

According to him, a task force has been set up to inspect houses of consumers and impose a penalty of N1 million on anyone caught in electricity theft.

Amoda said the company would henceforth commence effective prosecution of energy theft suspects and also publish their names in national dailies.

“We appeal to our customers to avoid engaging in bye-passing meters because its criminal and punishable under Electricity Regulation Code of Conduct Act.

“ l will advise customers to exercise patience with EKEDC as we promise to address all the issues as regards estimated billing and other   challenges,” he said.

On pre-paid meters, the CEO   said the company has started   installation of over 4,000 pre-paid meters to residents of FESTAC and its environs, adding that the first batch of 1,000 meters had been installed. He said that the company would ensure that 4,000 pre-paid meters are installed   before the end of the year, while appealing to residents to ensure prompt payment of their bills.