JEDC records huge losses as Churches, Mosques Resist Prepaid Meters in Gombe

The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) has raised alarms over growing resistance to the installation of prepaid electricity meters by churches, mosques and grinding machine operators in Gombe State, warning that the trend is causing substantial revenue losses across its network.

Speaking with Arewa PUNCH on Sunday, Musa Abdullahi, Head of Corporate Services at JEDC, described the opposition largely amplified through social media campaigns as both surprising and counterproductive.

“There is an issue trending on social media concerning the metering of churches, mosques and grinding machine operators. Some are opposed to the installation of meters in their business centres,” Abdullahi said, expressing disappointment that religious institutions, which preach honesty and moral discipline, would resist a system designed to ensure transparent billing.

“The two religions preach against stealing and encourage worshipping God with one’s resources. It is therefore surprising that worship centres are resisting a device that accurately measures their actual electricity consumption,” he added.

Abdullahi clarified that JEDC operates solely as a utility provider and treats all customers equally. “We are a utility company that sells electricity to consumers. Electricity does not recognise worship centres or markets. Everyone is treated as a consumer,” he stated.

According to Abdullahi, churches and mosques are classified as high-demand customers due to the significant power required during worship activities. “Worship centres consume substantial electricity because of their load. It is only fair that our Imams and Pastors encourage the installation of prepaid meters so that actual consumption can be properly determined,” he noted.

Highlighting the financial impact, Abdullahi revealed that JEDC faces a wide gap between energy supplied and revenue collected, amounting to hundreds of millions of naira monthly. “In August, we supplied 19.58 million kilowatt-hours of energy, valued at N1.57 billion at 70 per cent billing efficiency, yet only N744 million was collected, resulting in over N800 million in losses,” he said.

He added that the trend persisted in September and worsened in October. “In September, 20.22 million kilowatt-hours were supplied, worth N1.67 billion, but collections were just N757 million. In October, we supplied 25.26 million kilowatt-hours valued at N1.86 billion, yet collections dropped to N694 million. This decline is indefensible,” Abdullahi stated.

The JEDC official reaffirmed that prepaid metering remains the most effective tool for transparency, accountability, and sustainability in electricity supply, urging all consumers—religious and commercial alike—to support the initiative.