JED Refutes Tariff Increase Allegations, Labels Viral Video Misleading

By Golok Nanmwa

JOS — Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) has denied claims that customers within its franchise area pay higher electricity tariffs than those served by other distribution companies in Nigeria.

The company responded to a viral video in which a resident of Bauchi State alleged that prepaid meter users under JED pay more for electricity tokens than customers of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) for the same amount of energy.

The claimant also asserted that electricity consumers in Bauchi and other areas served by JED were subjected to higher charges compared to parts of southern Nigeria.

In a statement released on Sunday in Jos, JED’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Saratu Aliyu Dauda, called the allegation “false and misleading,” noting 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 authorities, and that all distribution companies must 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 also 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 the public to disregard the viral claims and rely only on verified information from official communication channels and regulatory authorities.

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