The management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDC), has advised customers to embrace modern electronic platform for electricity bills payment, as it moves towards cashless payment system..
The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Joseph Esenwa, who made the call in Lagos said that the initiative to migrate to cashless payment platform was to improve payment system efficiency and payment queues at some of the EKEDC offices.
Specifically, the industry chief urged the customers to take advantage of new multiple payment channels being provided by the company to ensure convenient and seamless payments and purchase of tokens.
According to him, the company is working towards stopping receiving cash payment in its offices in view of the new payment platforms is creating for customers to pay electricity bills.
Esenwa explained: “There is really no need to come to the office for payment. Customers will save themselves from the inconvenience of being defrauded if they always make payments through our approved channels and collect their receipts.
“By expanding our payment platforms, customers can now make payments and purchase tokens seamlessly by using scratch card vouchers. These are sold by vendors and agents across its networks. An example is Quick teller which can be accessed on mobile devices and through internet banking on online banking portals.
“We are committed to providing our customers with the greatest level of customer service and introducing these multiple secure and convenient payment channels is yet another aspect of our service offering,’’ he added.
To address issues relating to customers complaints, the EKEDC boss said that the company had created a whistle-blowing platform to enable customers report illegal and unethical activities in a safe, confidential and secure manner for immediate attention.
According to him, the platform allows customers to make anonymous report by making using of multiple channels; a toll free hotline; an email platform; a web-based service and a mobile app available on Ios and Android.
Esenwa said that with the introduction of the platform, customers can now confidentially report matters bothering on fraud, bribery, extortion; energy theft through illegal connections, vandalism and all actions detrimental to the society.
He clarified further: “Connecting our customers directly with the professional services provider is responsible for the management the platform.
“This has provided a means for us to work together with the customers to expose all forms of illegal and unethical behaviour on our network”, Esenwa added.
He restated the company’s commitment to maintain highest standards of openness, probity and accountability in all areas of its operations.
“Our subscription to the whistleblowing platform is in line with our core values of professionalism, integrity and discipline, and our commitment to uphold the highest ethical standards in all our dealings with our publics”
