The Bauchi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) for what it termed “dubious disconnections” and “exploitative billing practices.”
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Isah Garba Gadau, the NUJ accused JED of unfairly targeting prepaid meter users and coercing them back into the contentious estimated billing system.
The union highlighted irregularities in the estimated billing process, stating it burdens customers with charges for services they do not receive, especially during extended power outages.
Garba further alleged that some JED officials deliberately harass and frustrate customers, including prepaid meter users, for personal gain by imposing unjustified estimated bills, causing undue hardship.
Call for Action
The NUJ urged the Bauchi State Government and its agencies to explore alternative power sources to reduce dependency on JED and curb losses from inflated billing.
Additionally, the union called on JED to overhaul its operations by hiring well-trained staff with better customer relations skills to improve service delivery and rebuild public trust.
The NUJ’s criticism underscores growing dissatisfaction among consumers over JED’s billing and service practices, with calls for urgent reforms in the company’s operations.
Peoplesmind
