By Golok Nanmwa
JOS — Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) has dismissed reports alleging that customers within its franchise area pay higher electricity tariffs than those served by other distribution companies in the country.
The company was reacting to a viral video in which a Bauchi State resident claimed that prepaid meter users under JED pay more for electricity tokens than customers of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) for similar units of energy.
The claimant further alleged that electricity consumers in Bauchi and other areas served by JED were subjected to higher charges compared to some parts of southern Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Jos, the Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Saratu Aliyu Dauda, described the allegation as false and misleading, stressing that it does not reflect the approved electricity tariff structure.
“We wish to categorically state that these claims are false, misleading and do not reflect the realities of the electricity tariff framework under which JED Plc operates,” the statement read.
JED explained that electricity tariffs are regulated and approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities, adding that all distribution companies are required to operate strictly within the approved tariff schedule.
“JED Plc, like all Distribution Companies, is mandated to strictly implement only the tariffs approved by the regulator. Any deviation from these approved tariffs would constitute a regulatory breach and attract appropriate sanctions,” the company added.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and full compliance with regulatory directives governing electricity distribution.
It further stated that its billing system and tariff structure are applied strictly in line with the approved schedule for its franchise area.
JED urged customers and members of the public to disregard the viral claims and rely only on verified information from official communication channels and regulatory authorities.
