By Innocent Obasi
One of Nigeria’s 11 electricity dstribution companies (DisCos), Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), said it has deployed Meter-on-Wheels and mobile Meter Assets Provider (MAP) initiatives to enable customers purchase meters right away without having to wait for months.
Donald Etim, chief marketing officer of AEDC, stated at a town hall meeting with electricity consumers in the Lugbe axis of Abuja on Friday that thanks to these initiatives, customers may now pay for meters and have them installed within 24 hours, in contrast to what was previously obtainable.
Etim, who was represented by Usman Danjuma, head of channels engagement/CSR, gave customers the assurance that while AEDC will work to improve the power supply to the area, customers should hold their end of the bargain by making prompt bill payments.
The DisCo also blamed the inadequate infrastructures it acquired when it took over operations as the cause of the poor power supply to its franchise states.
Elesa Yakubu, head of operations and lines, said that when the company started operating, it had to contend with poor transformers and load-shedding in the franchise states, thereby making it difficult to provide customers with the best service delivery.
The poor power supply during the first half of the year, according to Yakubu, was a nationwide problem, but the situation has since improved as a result of the government providing it more power load to distribute to consumers.
Harry Digu, a representative of the head of health & safety, advised customers to safeguard power assets within their locality from vandals and report anyone seen engaging in electricity theft in order for them to continue to enjoy supply of the commodity.
Joan Ugwunna, head of business distribution, notified the customers of the plans to upgrade to Band B after fulfilling the required hours for that migration.
“Since July they have been enjoying electricity supply of average of 19 hours availability. The purpose of this meeting also is to notify them that their band is going to change from C to B because the availability of the hour of electricity has been met and we are going to ensure that they continue to enjoy the supply going forward, all things being equal,” she said.
