Some electricity consum
ers in Alagbado, Lagos State, have decried lack of functional meters in their area.
A cross section of the consumers told newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos that they were fed up of paying estimated bills.
They called on the management of Ikeja Electric to come to their rescue, saying that lack of pre-paid meters did not allow residents correctly ascertain the amount of energy they consume.
Mr Tobi Adeyanju, who resides at Ibukun Olu, Street, Alagbado, said he was compelled to pay ‘outrageous bill’ of N17, 500 monthly because he does not have prepaid meter in his flat.
He said that his neighbours who reside in the same apartment with him recharge their prepaid meters with N4,000 each month.
He urged the management of Ikeja Electric to distribute prepaid meters in the area to enable consumers control the amount of energy they consume.
“The management of Ikeja Electric should complement the present improved power supply in the area with installation of functional meters.
“Prepaid meters have been installed more than a year ago in some areas under their control like Agege, Iju, Ikotun, Igando and Ikeja.
“Up till now, they still continue to bombard us here with estimated billing; enough is enough, we are tired of estimation,” he said.
Mrs Adewunmi Ilori, who resides at No. 16 Thomas Ekun Stree., said that some residents in the area had vowed not to pay their electricity bills until prepaid meters are installed in the area.
Ilori, however, said that the regular electricity supply being enjoyed in the area had compelled them to pay part of the bills.
Another resident, Mr Adebowale Fajinmi, who resides on Ajayi Elder Street, Alagbado, also decried the high amount being paid by consumers who do not have prepaid meters.
He appealed to the company to come to their aid by supplying them with functional meters to save community from paying prohibited estimated bills.
Reacting to the complaints of the residents, Mr Felix Ofulue, Head, Corporate Communication Unit of IE, told newsmen that the company would provide pre-paid meters to Alagbado community.
“The company has not forgotten the community; all hands are on deck to ensure that houses not yet metered are provided with meters.’’
Ofulue however appealed to the affected consumers to ensure they pay their estimated electricity bills regularly, adding that the company was using part of the money to install prepaid meters.