The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and its customers have resolved to tackle delays in the distribution of bills and non-availability of pre-paid meters, among other drawbacks to power availability in the area.
This is part of the company’s aggressive community relations’ initiative across its franchise area aimed at engaging customers and giving them a one-on-one platform to discuss critical issues and proffer mutual solutions.
During a discussion held in Ibadan, the Ibadan disco and its customers also discussed outrageous bills increase in tariff, wrong disconnections, numerous faulty metres and non-stoppage of billing of dormant accounts.
A statement released by the company disclosed there was a discussion on faulty maximum demand metres in areas such as Iseyin and Ekotedo communities, and in Unicure Pharmaceuticals, Ikofa Road in Ijebu-Ode.
Customers also spoke extensively on pressing challenges of irregular power supply arising from overloaded feeders in Boluwaji and Podo under Molete Business Hub, numerous tees-offs, latching of feeders, broken/fallen sub-standard wooden and concrete poles caused by vehicle collision and heavy rainfall.
“The distribution arm of our operations was reviewed, and as a result, customers asked for the upgrading of Ajebandele substation under Ile-Ife Business Hub in order to accommodate more load,” the statement said.
“They then sought adequate supply of equipment and materials, such as up-risers, transformers, relief materials and equipment and the need to relieve the overloaded transformers in Idi Iraye and Agbowo under Ojoo Business Hub,” IBEDC further said.
The customers called for the replacement of burnt cables and transformers and for the installation and energising of donated transformers within their communities. The community relations meetings equally deliberated on taking adequate precautions before embarking on electrical projects and other community development activities.
“The menace of vandalism was underpinned and measures on how to curb its increasing spate proffered, as these activities have become extremely inimical to the progress of the company, and of the communities and customers within its franchise,” the company said.
After the discussion, IBEDC promised to inform and educate customers on the customer-financed metering programme (CAPMI) as a quick solution to estimated billings. The firm also resolved to educate consumers on safety tips to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and properties as well as the need to blow the whistle once any case of vandalism is found.
The management noted all the power needs and challenges of all communities engaged during community relations’ meetings, and assured that steps are being taking to address all of them.
“The company shall bring all donated transformers into the system as soon as the necessary materials for their energising are ready. In addition, the safety department has commenced a safety assessment/ awareness tour of facilities within our franchise,” the statement said.
The IBEDC urged all patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians or communities wishing to donate transformers to check with IBEDC’s technical department for approved transformer specifications, and technical guidelines on appropriate location and installation of the transformers.
IBEDC said it was committed to deploying all necessary resources to keep our customers satisfied, in order to achieve its mission of distributing power and changing lives as well as the vision of being the best electricity disco in Nigeria.
The IBEDC has, since commencing this initiative in February, visited over 39 CDAs, totalling over 200 communities such as Odo-Oba, Yejide, Elere, Boluwaji, Idi-Ope, Sanyo and Academy under Molete Business Hub. Others visited include Ekotedo and Akintola communities under Dugbe Business Hub, Idi Ose, Idi Iraye, Akingbile and Asawa quarters, among others.
ODINAKA ANUDU
