Prepaid meters, a better alternative to analog ones

 

 

The Power Holding Corporation of Nigeria (PHCN) few years back, introduced prepaid meters to its customers, a digital way of recharging one’s PHCN bills. However, there have been mixed feelings since its introduction, as many people believe the analog meters serve them better. The Nigerian Tribune conducted an opinion poll on people’s views on both meters, DOYIN ADEOYE brings the excerpts:

Oluwasanmi Arisoyin: The introduction of the prepaid meter is a step in stemming the tide of corruption so inherent in the analog ones. The PHCN have done well in this regard, by introducing a metering system that would pave way for better accountability on the part of the PHCN officials.

Damilare Olapoju: The PHCN prepaid meters are supposed to be gadgets that would alleviate the suffering of electricity consumers by reducing the arbitrariness in the billing system of the company. But unfortunately, the staffs of the company have found ways of thwarting the good intention behind the introduction of the meter. One would marvel at the huge stock of these meters lying fallow in their offices. The meters are supposed to be given out free of charge to customers, but some staffs demand for as much as N30, 000 before the meters are made available to unsuspecting customers. It would however, work in blocking the avenue for estimated and bloated billings.

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