By Adamu Yusuf
Residents of Millennium City in Kaduna have called on Kaduna Electric to suspend the proposed replacement of existing electricity meters pending the determination of a case already before the court.
The Chairman Ministerial Plot Housing Estate Residents Associations MPHERA, Shafik Muazu Shira on behalf of all other estates, who made the call during a press conference, said they were not opposed to Kaduna Electric, electricity development or proper metering, but were concerned about the manner in which the proposed meter replacement was being carried out.
He said they remained law-abiding citizens and had established an Electricity Committee to promote the integrity of the electricity supply system while protecting the interests of both consumers and Kaduna Electric.
According to him, the matter is already before the court and the electricity distribution company should allow the judicial process to run its course instead of taking further actions that could complicate the issue.
Shafik Muazu Shira
also expressed concern over a recent disconnection notice, questioning the basis for threatening to disconnect an entire community over objections to a disputed metering exercise.
He argued that refusal to accept a particular DISREP meter should not automatically lead to the disconnection of an entire community, stressing the need for compliance with the applicable Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Customer Protection Regulations.
Shafik Muazu Shira
further raised concerns over the proposed installation of meters on electricity poles, saying such installations must comply with relevant NERC and Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, regulations and respect the rights of electricity consumers.
He noted that NEMSA had already conducted a technical verification exercise on meters within the affected estates and identified some meters that required replacement or further action.
The Chairman maintained that the exercise did not amount to a blanket approval for Kaduna Electric to replace all existing meters, urging the company to abide by NEMSA’s technical recommendations.
He also sought clarification on the status of existing Meter Asset Provider, MAP, meters purchased by residents, particularly outstanding energy-credit reimbursements and the implications of replacing such meters on the entitlements of affected consumers.
Shafik Muazu Shira
said they supported Kaduna Electric, proper metering and protection of the company’s revenue, but insisted that all actions must be carried out in accordance with the law.
He recalled that for nearly a decade, residents and community structures in Millennium City had cooperated with Kaduna Electric and provided support and infrastructure that facilitated electricity distribution within the communities.
The Chairman also said they had received complaints from electricity consumers across Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states concerning metering, billing and electricity consumption, urging relevant authorities to investigate the issues rather than dismiss the complaints.
He appealed to Kaduna Electric to de-escalate the situation, respect the ongoing court process, comply with NERC and NEMSA regulations, and return to the negotiating table for meaningful engagement.
He stressed that they were not seeking confrontation, but fairness, transparency and adherence to the law.
He called for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the dispute, saying the law, dialogue and peace should prevail.
Editing by Khadija Kubau
