Residents of the Oshodi-Mafoluku-Shogunle and Ewu-Titun communities in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area, Lagos, have given Ikeja Electric a 14-day deadline to address their metering concerns. The community warned that if their demands are not met, they may stop the operations of Ikeja Electric’s enforcement unit in the area.
In a formal letter addressed to Ikeja Electric’s CEO, Mrs. Folake Soetan, and signed by community leaders—Chairman Engr. Babatunde Faleye, Secretary Comrade Olugbenga Keku, and Electricity Committee Chairman Mr. Kola Ajayi—the residents outlined their grievances and demands. Their primary concerns include the need for immediate installation of meters, an end to estimated billing, resolution of overestimated charges, routine maintenance of faulty meters, quick response to reported issues, and clearer billing and payment procedures.
The community expressed frustration over ongoing harassment and intimidation from electricity workers, who frequently disconnect power, coupled with inflated and unreasonable billing practices. They claim to have documented several instances of faulty billing, including charges for removed or non-functional analog meters, and unaddressed complaints about defective meters. They also criticized Ikeja Electric’s use of arbitrary estimated billing, calling it exorbitant and unjustified.
The letter detailed key demands from the residents:
- Free Metering: Provision of free meters for all households in the community to ensure accurate billing.
- Abolition of Estimated Billing: Replacement of the estimated billing system with a fair, transparent, and meter-based billing method.
- Resolution of Overestimated Bills: Investigation and correction of all outstanding overestimated charges, with refunds where necessary.
The residents further insisted on regular maintenance for faulty meters, timely responses to reported issues, and clear communication regarding billing and payments.
The community also accused Ikeja Electric of coding the few remaining readable meters without providing technical details, leading to inflated and fraudulent estimated charges. According to the letter, if these issues are not promptly addressed, the residents will prevent the Ikeja Electric Enforcement Unit from further operations in their community.
The ultimatum, effective from the date of the letter, requests Ikeja Electric to acknowledge receipt of the letter, provide a detailed plan and timeline for resolving the listed issues, and begin implementing agreed solutions within the 14-day period.
Despite the firm stance, the community leaders expressed willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the issues amicably.
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