Oba Olatunde Falabi, the Akire of Ikire, has demanded that consumers of energy pay less for pre-paid metres.
While hosting representatives of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company who were in town to introduce a new metering programme called Mobile Meter Asset Provider, Oba Falabi gave a speech in his palace in Ikire.
However, the royal father claimed that the metering system will help to address the issue of approximated billing and provide more metres.
According to a statement made on Friday by Ms. Kikelomo Owoeye, Senior Communication Officer, IBEDC Osun Region, quoting Oba Falabi, "this scheme would offer relief and minimise complaints of estimated billing, exorbitant pricing, and non-availability of metres."
“We advise that IBEDC should fulfill its promise on the programme. Also, the prices may not be within the reach of many, considering harsh economic conditions.”
But the Business Hub Manager, Ile-Ife, Mr Olumide Akinradewo, while responding to the monarch’s request for a reduction in the prices of meters, explained that the amount was fixed based on the exchange rate.
Akinradewo, while speaking at a roadshow organised to create awareness for the initiative in Ikire, explained that prepaid meters were available for customers.
He further said, “For a single phase meter, all you need to pay is just N63,061.32 while a three-phase meter costs N117, 910.69 only. No agent fee, no installation fee and it takes just 24 hours. I call on our esteemed customers to tap from this benefit and visit our office for more information.”