Residents of the Oshodi-Mafoluku-Shogunle & Ewu-Titun Community in Lagos State have issued a stern 14-day ultimatum to Ikeja Electric, demanding an end to estimated billing and the provision of free meters.
This action comes amid mounting frustration over alleged billing irregularities and poor customer service.
The ultimatum was delivered in a letter addressed to Ikeja Electric’s CEO, Mrs. Folake Soetan, and signed by community leaders including Chairman Engr. Babatunde Faleye, Secretary Comrade Olugbenga Keku, and Electricity Committee Chairman Mr. Kola Ajayi.
The letter outlines the community’s grievances and demands, emphasizing the urgent need for change.
“We have documented numerous instances of billing for non-existent or removed analog meters; unaddressed faulty meters, despite reported complaints; imposition of exorbitant estimated charges without justification,” the residents stated, highlighting the severity of the situation.
They are particularly concerned about the “persistent harassment and intimidation” faced by community members during power disconnections.
The community’s demands are clear and comprehensive. They call for immediate metering for all households to ensure accurate billing, the abolition of the current estimated billing system, and the implementation of a transparent, meter-based billing method. They also seek the resolution of overestimated bills, regular maintenance of faulty meters, prompt response to reported issues, and clear communication on billing and payment procedures.
In their letter, the residents allege that Ikeja Electric has been responsible for coding remaining readable meters without proper technical reports, leading to “fraudulent, artificially inflated estimated charges.” This, they argue, has exacerbated the already tense situation.
The community’s ultimatum is unambiguous: “Failure to address these concerns will compel us to prohibit the Ikeja Electric Enforcement Unit from operating in our community until satisfactory resolution is achieved.” They demand acknowledgment of their letter, a detailed plan and timeline for resolving the issues, and the commencement of solution implementation.
Despite the ultimatum, the residents express a willingness to engage in “constructive dialogue and negotiation to resolve these issues amicably.” As the deadline looms, all eyes are on Ikeja Electric to see how they will respond to the community’s demands and whether a peaceful resolution can be achieved.
