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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
OFFICIALS of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) have met with residents of Otan-Ayegbaju in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State over disputes arising from estimated billing and alleged illegal disconnections.
The town hall meeting followed growing complaints by residents that some utility workers were disconnecting customers without following due process.
Speaking at his palace, Owa of Otan-Ayegbaju, Oba Lukman Ojo-Fadipe, expressed concern over recurring confrontations between residents and electricity workers.
The monarch urged residents to maintain peace and cautioned parents against allowing their children to assault IBEDC personnel carrying out lawful duties.
Chief Emmanuel Adeleke, the Saloro of Otan-Ayegbaju, criticised the company’s estimated billing system.
“I did not have electricity supply for three months, yet energy bills kept arriving without interruption.”
He urged IBEDC to stop charging customers for power they did not consume.
Responding on behalf of the company, Adesegun Alaketu urged customers to clear outstanding bills and said prepaid meters would be deployed in the community to address billing disputes.
He said customers with old meters and outstanding debts could either settle their balances or agree to structured repayment plans to be incorporated into their new prepaid meters.
“Houses with existing meters will receive prepaid units at no cost. However, unmetered properties must apply and pay for their meters upfront, with the cost refunded to them over time through monthly energy tokens.”
Alaketu also said Otan-Ayegbaju had been upgraded to Band A status because it met the required daily electricity supply threshold.
He urged residents to conserve energy and clarified that IBEDC does not bill properties on the basis of physical size.
