Mobile MAP: IBEDC launches 24-hours metering initiative in Ikire
TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
In a bid to reduce the issue of estimated billing, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has launched Mobile Meter Asset Provider, (Mobile MAP) in Ikire on Thursday, September 14th, 2022.
The Business Hub Manager, Ile-Ife, Mr Olumide Akinradewo, while speaking at a roadshow organized to create awareness for the initiative in Ikire, Osun state, said that prepaid meters are available for customers as it will reduce the complaint of estimated billing and illicit meters.
The launching which began with a community engagement meeting to sensitize the customers also continued with a road show to create awareness across Ikire community.
Oba Olatunde Falabi, the Akire of Ikire, while playing host to the IBEDC team, said the programme would bring relief and reduce complaint of estimated billing, outrageous billing and none availability of meters.
While expressing joy that the initiative has finally taken off in his domain, after a rather long wait by the residents for prepaid meters, Oba Falabi promised to ensure that people of the town are sensitized and encouraged to key into the Mobile MAP exercise to stop the complaint over estimated billing.
He also advised that IBEDC should fulfill their promise on the Programme, noting that the price may not be within the reach of many, considering harsh economic condition.
Responding, Mr. Akinradewo explained that the price fixed based on the exchange rate.
The launching marked with a road walk across major streets in Ikire town was organized by Ile-Ife Business Hub and New Hampshire Capital to boost the confidence of their customers and informed them about the latest innovation.
To enjoy the opportunity, customers are expected to create a MAP meter application profile and obtain a MAP ID by visiting any IBEDC office for registration (9am daily, Monday to Saturday).
The IBEDC Technical team will then visit such customer for technical evaluation after which such customer makes payment to the bank using MAP ID generated at registration. Payment can be made online on MSMS portal, banks (interswitch platform) and POS (interswitch agents).
Furthermore, such payment will then be verified by Mobile MAP team as customer presents online/POS payment receipt or bank teller, leading to the next phase which is the immediate installation of the meter by an IBEDC installer who uses the IBEDC MAP Track app (MSMS) for meter capturing. All within 24 hours.
Flanked by the Senior Communication Officer, IBEDC Osun Region Ms Kikelomo Owoeye, Akinradewo further said, “For a single phase meter, all you need to pay is just N63,061.32 while a three phase meter costs N117, 910.69 only. No agent fee, no installation fee and it takes just 24-hours. I call on our esteemed customers to tap from this benefit and visit our office for more information.
Also commenting on the initiative, a community leader, Chief Ojeleye said prepaid meter remains the best to enjoy electricity.
He said, “You buy your token and you do not have to bother about estimated billing. When there is supply you enjoy it and when there is no supply your token is there. It gives one rest of mind. I encourage people to apply and I will inform my people to quickly come to apply.”
