Francesca Odimgbe
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has called for a new orientation among electricity consumers as it stressed the need for the public to join forces with security agencies to fight vandalism and energy theft in the industry.
The Distribution firm also identified the factors as affecting effective supply of power to customers.
The MD/CEO of the company, Dr. Tinuade Sanda made this advise during an engagement forum with its customers under Ijora Business District in Lagos.
This is coming as some electricity consumers in the network complained of inadequate power supply, estimated billing, and metering.
Sanda appreciated the customers and the representatives of the various Community Development Associations (CDAs) for attending the forum then assured them that delivery of service excellence to EKEDC’s customers is her top priority.
She said, ‘we are holding this strategic meeting with you – our esteemed customers on how we can work together to serve you better. These past few months have been challenging for you as customers and us as service providers.
“We have experienced system collapses of the national grid, vandalism of our electrical installations, energy theft and assaults of our staff. As a result, we are here to listen to you and request your support in improving our services.’
Complaints made by attendees at the forum cut across inadequate power supply, estimated billing, and metering. Mr. Jamiu Mobolaji from Lagos Mainland CDA expressed his displeasure over the recent erratic supply in his area.
He further requested the EKEDC Management team to investigate the unprofessional behaviours exhibited by some staff of the company at the grass root levels.
Another customer from the Otto community, Mr. Babatunde Bello stated that customers are showing apathy to payment of bills due to the erratic supply of power.
In response to the complaints, Sanda explained that the low allocation to Eko DisCo from the grid, in addition to the recent system collapse, has affected adequate supply of power to customers.
However, she assured them that her team would find a balance to this and ensure that all customers irrespective of their categories are well supplied.
She also urged customers to report any act of misconduct such as extortion and display of unprofessionalism by any EKEDC employee.
In addition, Sanda announced that the Meter Asset Providers (MAP) scheme has commenced and encouraged the customers to apply for meters to put an end to estimated billings.
She further advised the customers to desist from vandalism and energy theft as these have equally affected supply of power to customers.
As the leading customer centric power utility and the preferred choice of stakeholders, Sanda reiterated that Eko DisCo will continue to hold such engagement forums for better service delivery and improved customer relations.
The forum was part of the company’s strategic plans to extensively engage its consumers across its operational network. Following her appointment as the first female MD/CEO of Eko DisCo, Sanda vowed to change the perception of the company via better communication with customers and improvements in customer satisfaction index.
