The Electricity Distribution Company PLC (JED) has unveiled its plan to flood Plateau, Benue, Bauchi and Gombe states with 186,000 smart metres in order to address the problem of fixed charges.

Speaking at the Customer Consultative Forum for Tariff Review, held at Sindaba Hotel, Bauchi on Thursday, the Executive Director, Marketing of the company, Jibo Boniface, explained that the smart metres would be distributed to customers free of charge, cautioning that customers should report staff that approach them for payment.

 "About 2,500 meters will soon be distributed to each states and it is the JED pilot scheme for the testing of distribution of the smart meters, which is already in their disposal. Furthermore, we have placed order for 186,000 smart meters," he said.

He added that the initiative would help prevent manipulations from both sides because the metres are automated.

Boniface also urged customers to ensure that they obtain and fill the form that JED is circulating, in order for them to be recognised as customers, more so that the forms are free of charge.

According to him, the proposed increment in charges may not be much and it may not affect all the category of customers because the JED management is set to unveil something different for residential customers, commercials and government establishments.

Also speaking, JED Assistant Manager, Audit, Deji Adesoya, revealed that JED is doing everything possible to ensure that every household is connected, from the city to the rural areas, adding that it is their responsibility to mount polls and wires.

In the same vein, JED Head Regulatory Compliance, Mashood Yusuf, said that JED is making effort to establish call centres, where they could attend to customers’ complaints, as such show of concern is essential in maintain a smooth cordial relationship in business.