By Adedapo Adesanya
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHEDC) has raised awareness over the increasing number of meter bypass by customers in its franchise state of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers States.
This call was made by the Acting Manager, Corporate Communications, PHEDC, Mrs Chioma Aninwe, in a statement.
She warned that anyone caught with such illegal practice would be disconnected with immediate effect, in line with the guidelines of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The commission aggressively kicks against the practice with disconnection and punishment stated for parties found guilty.
Mrs Aninwe explained that customers illegally bypass their prepaid meters by running cables through their roofs and ceilings before connecting to their meters, thereby preventing their prepaid meters from capturing their actual energy consumption.
She gave a stern warning to those involved, announcing that from April 1, 2021, the distribution company will go on aggressive disconnections of customers who failed to adhere to the standards.
“PHEDC has observed with dismay the dangerous trend among its metered customer in Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross-River and Rivers state; which involves the illegal passing of wires through the roof and ceiling before connecting to a prepaid meter.
“We wish to state that this unsafe act is dangerous to both the customer and the people living around. We, therefore, advise customers to immediately desist from this practice as defaulters will be disconnected according to NERC regulations.
“Also note that PHEDC will not be held liable for any damage or loss of lives and properties that may occur from the continuous practise of this illegal act.
“Disconnection of customers who fail to adhere to the standard will commence on April 1, 2021,” she said.
Modupe Gbadeyanka