From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Controversy continues to trail the installation of KEDCO’s new prepaid electricity meters in Sokoto State, as residents have unanimously rejected the compulsory installation of the meters in their homes.
The issue has generated widespread concern among electricity consumers across the Sokoto metropolis, where the majority of KEDCO’s customers reside.
Residents say the major source of contention is the deduction of huge debts whenever they purchase electricity units.
They alleged that the debts originated from the estimated billing system previously introduced by KEDCO.
Some community members interviewed expressed full support for the proposed protest, describing it as a necessary response to the situation.
“If we had united and confronted our problems like this long ago, we wouldn’t be in this situation today,” one resident said.
A resident of the Gwiwa area in Wamakko Local Government Area, Malam Usman Umar Lagazaa, lamented that over N700,000 debt was accumulated through the estimated billing system.
He said part of the amount is now being deducted each time he purchases electricity units for the new meter.
“We don’t want prepaid meters. Kaduna Electricity Consumers Forum should come and remove their equipment, we are already used to living in darkness.”
“In Nigeria, it seems there is no basic comfort left for the poor that they will not turn into something to charge us for.
“Wallahi, if our leaders had a way to tax the air we breathe, they would have done it by now,” he emphasized.
Some aggrieved community members held a meeting during the weekend at Hassan Dan Mu’azu Mosque, adjacent to Noma Children Hospital in Runjin Sambo.
The meeting was chaired by senior Imams, Islamic scholars, ward heads, professors, doctors, lawyers and businessmen.
Among the resolutions reached at the meeting was that a formal letter would be sent to KEDCO demanding the withdrawal of the debts being deducted from consumers.
Residents argued that a debt only exists if electricity was consumed and payment was not made.
“At the end of every month, they come to collect payment and disconnect customers who fail to pay. So where did this huge debt come from?” they asked.
They cited an example where a consumer purchases N20,000 worth of electricity units, but N18,000 is deducted as debt, leaving only N2,000 worth of power.
The community also resolved to organize a special protest against the high electricity tariffs and what they described as the excessive speed of the prepaid meters.
Participants at the meeting said electricity units currently cost between N206 and N209, compared to N65 in some other areas.
They also claimed that households with between three and five refrigerators could consume N10,000 worth of electricity in a single day, an indication that the meters run too fast.
The meeting further resolved that an independent organization would be registered at both the state and national levels to address such issues.
Lawyers at the meeting advised that the association should cover Runjin Sambo, Gidan Igwai, Gandu and Gidan Dare wards.
Residents warned that if KEDCO fails to address their concerns, the company should disconnect electricity supply entirely.
“If things continue this way, many essential services will become unaffordable for the poor,” they stated.
Residents also alleged that there were reports suggesting that non-GRA areas, popularly referred to as “ghetto areas,” were not originally included in the plan for the new prepaid meters.
They further raised security concerns, noting that many people now switch off their lights to conserve electricity units, thereby creating darkness that criminals could exploit.
The residents also warned that the situation could lead to an increase in the prices of goods and services, as most businesses depend heavily on electricity.
The community called on relevant authorities to intervene in order to protect lives, property and public welfare.
