EKEDC harps on safety, fights against energy theft, vandalism
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has expressed concerns over increasing records of energy theft and vandalism within its operational area, leading to significant revenue losses.
Mrs Rekhiat Momoh, the acting Chief Executive Officer of EKEDC, expressed the concerns during a town hall customers’ forum on Thursday in Lagos.
The Business Intelligence (TBI Africa) reports that customers at the forum were drawn from various areas under the Orile District.
They include Surulere, Aguda, Coker, Orile, Ikate, Animashaun, and Doyin zones, as well as Sanya, parts of Eric Moore, TEXLON, Passat, parts of Alaka, parts of Itire and Kernel.
Momoh was represented by the company’s Chief Customer Experience Officer, Mrs Catherine Ezeafulukwe, who said that the essence of the meeting was to collaborate with customers.
She reiterated that the Disco was committed to active efforts to safeguard lives, properties and equipment.
Momoh said that the town hall meeting also created an avenue to interface with customers and address issues confronting various communities under EKEDC’s network.
According to her, the company is losing billions of naira to energy theft and other criminal activities, which affects the revenue of the company and its customers.
“The losses result from the large number of customers engaging in energy theft, meter bypass, vandalism and unpaid electricity bills.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for energy theft. Over 15 per cent of electricity consumers do not pay their electricity bills, as they indulge in illegal connection of electricity,” she said.
On metering, Momoh said that the company was committed to metering all customers under a five-year metering plan, adding that over 70 per cent of customers had been metered.
She noted that about 30 to 35 per cent of customers are yet to be metered and that the company is working hard to ensure all customers are fully metered.
The EKEDC boss urged customers to key into the ongoing metering installation plan and apply for meters online, as meters are now available.
On Band A customers, Momoh said that the company would find a way internally to relocate customers whose feeders are under Band A but could not meet the electricity tariff to Band B or C.
She said that the total outstanding debt profile of the Disco stood at over N100 billion, while revenue collection stood between 87 and 89 per cent, respectively.
Momoh stressed that about 25 employees who had engaged in various manipulations and criminal activities had been sacked to date.
Mr Onalaja Adekunle, Chairman, Onigbo-Ore Community Development Area, commended EKEDC’s prompt response to faults and customer service.
He urged EKEDC to ensure effective metering of customers to avoid estimated billings.
He said the problems confronting electricity customers were enormous but the meeting created an avenue for peaceful discussion and solutions.
According to him, the management has been very responsive and committed to power improvement in its area of coverage.
Mr Sunny Ogidan, Chairman, Communications Development Committee Orile-Aguda, expressed willingness to partner with police and local government officials to protect EKEDC’s facilities.
He also tasked EKEDC with reorienting their field officers towards effective customer service delivery.
Over 100 residents attended the town hall meeting at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN).
