Jos Electricity Distribution Company Pledges Enhanced Service Delivery in Gombe State
The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) has announced its commitment to significantly improving electricity service delivery for residents of Gombe State. This pledge encompasses faster repair of faulty transformers, a comprehensive rollout of prepaid meters starting in September 2025, and enhanced customer engagement. Rilwan Shehu, the State Operating Officer of JEDC, made this assurance during a Customer Consultative Forum held in Gombe, emphasizing the company’s dedication to addressing customer concerns and fostering a stronger partnership with the community. The forum provided a platform for direct interaction between JEDC representatives and customers, enabling open communication and collaborative problem-solving.
Shehu highlighted the importance of customer feedback, emphasizing the forum’s role as a vital avenue for gathering insights into the challenges faced by residents. The significant turnout at the forum demonstrated the community’s eagerness to engage with JEDC and contribute to finding solutions for improved electricity services. Addressing a recurring concern regarding faulty transformers, Shehu reiterated JEDC’s full responsibility for their repair. However, he also underscored the reciprocal responsibility of customers to ensure timely payment of their electricity bills, which directly contributes to the company’s ability to carry out necessary maintenance and upgrades effectively. This mutual understanding and cooperation are essential for creating a sustainable and efficient electricity supply system.
The planned rollout of prepaid meters is a significant step towards enhancing transparency and fairness in electricity billing. Shehu explained that the metering process would commence with customers in Band A, which comprises those enjoying up to 24 hours of electricity supply. This strategic approach aims to address the metering gap within this category before extending the program to other customer bands. JEDC’s proactive initiative places them at the forefront of this nationwide effort to improve metering infrastructure. While focusing initially on Band A, JEDC has committed to extending the metering program to all customer categories, ensuring equitable access to prepaid metering services.
A major impediment to stable electricity supply in Gombe State, as highlighted by Shehu, is the persistent vandalism of power installations. This criminal activity, often involving the theft of cables and other vital components, disrupts electricity services and poses significant risks to public safety. JEDC is actively collaborating with security agencies, including the civil defense, Department of State Services (DSS), and the police, to combat this menace. Several suspects have been apprehended, demonstrating the effectiveness of this collaborative approach. These efforts underscore the importance of community involvement in safeguarding public infrastructure. JEDC urged residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity that might endanger electricity supply.
Despite the challenges, JEDC has observed a positive trend in bill payments from Gombe residents, which has facilitated improvements in service delivery. Shehu commended the community for their cooperation and expressed optimism that continued improvement in bill payments would pave the way for even greater advancements in service quality. This positive feedback loop, where improved payment contributes to better service, reinforces the importance of a strong partnership between JEDC and its customers. JEDC reiterated its commitment to continuous improvement, emphasizing that the sky is the limit in terms of achieving optimal service delivery.
Underscoring the symbiotic relationship between JEDC and its customers, Shehu emphasized the vital role of customers in the company’s success. He reiterated that JEDC’s existence hinges on serving its customers and their need for reliable electricity services forms the basis of their partnership. This mutual dependence requires a collaborative spirit, where both parties work together to achieve a shared goal of stable and efficient electricity supply. The Customer Consultative Forum serves as a testament to JEDC’s commitment to fostering this partnership and continuously improving its services to meet the needs of the Gombe community. JEDC’s Meter Asset Provider Desk Officer, Anas Sadiq, provided further details on the metering rollout, confirming that installations have already begun in Plateau State and are scheduled to commence in Gombe by the end of the following month. The company’s focus on closing the metering gap in Band A first reflects a strategic approach to addressing the most pressing needs before expanding the program to other customer categories. However, several customers at the forum took the opportunity to voice individual grievances. One customer, Dr. Okezie Ejeagba, expressed dissatisfaction regarding a long-standing issue with his faulty meter, which remained unresolved for over two years. His frustration highlights the importance of individual case follow-up and the need for JEDC to implement robust mechanisms for resolving customer complaints efficiently. JEDC’s commitment to improving service delivery must translate into tangible improvements for individual customers to maintain their trust and satisfaction.
