The management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, in the beginning of the new year, disclosed that it has concluded plans to provide 20 hours uninterrupted daily electricity supply to its customers in 2023. What an indelible mark that would be.
Eko Electricity Distribution PLC (EKEDC) came into existence when Nigeria’s power sector was unbundled and privatized in 2013. An offshoot of the legacy government utility NEPA, the company is one of the largest among the 11 electricity distribution companies serving the country today.
The company has a track-record of achievements. Internal development and promotion has also enabled the company to retain and maximize talents. Asides, its equitable professional development opportunities encourage staff in all levels and areas to strive for promotion. Through a variety of employee training, workshops and educational opportunities, the company is sure to achieve its whole aim this year.
Its mission to improve the quality of life for all customers by utilising cutting-edge technology and innovative processes, to sustainably and safely supply electricity has been its watchword.
Eko Electricity Distribution Company is one of the largest Discos in Nigeria. It distributes power to the Southern part of Lagos and Agbara in Ogun State, covering over 489, 000 customers, spread across 3 geographical regions.
Interestingly, the company with one of the highest numbers of staff, caters for over 3, 000 staffers in about 11 business districts.
Eko Disco has a track record of excellent performance in the sector, particularly in the distribution space. This ranges from top-notch delivery of customer service to reliable power supply to its customers. In October 2020, Eko Disco achieved a technological landmark by becoming the first electricity distribution company to launch the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition – Distribution Management System (SCADA-DMS) in Nigeria. Hence, the Company consistently receives top ratings from the regulator of the industry, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Part of the clogs in the wheel of the company’s progress has been customers’ indebtedness. Recently, EKEDC’s MD, Dr. Tinuade Sanda revealed that her company is owed over N116 billion as at December 2022.
Since she took over in 2022, Sanda has made concerted efforts to consolidate on the successes achieved in the past few years by the company.
Dr Tinuade Sanda, has also progressively advanced and charted new courses for efficient service delivery and excellent business sustainability in EKEDC.
However, she recently lamented that the spate of vandalism and theft is increasingly worrisome, adding that as at December 2022, vandalism in the company’s network rose to N2.5 billion and with the estimated cost of cables today, should be over N5 billion.
“Debts alone from Ministries, Departments & Agencies, MDAs, is about N40 billion, while the total debts owed our company is over N116 billion,” she said.
Sanda added that efforts are ongoing towards the completion of the installation of transformers within the communities, and hinted on improved metering for the consumers, assuring continued fixing of tripping feeders.
She added, “We want to work towards ensuring a minimum 20 hours electricity supply as we continue to get electricity from the power grid. Installation is still ongoing and we have done 80 out of 150. We are moving closer and closer to our consumers. We tend to decentralize more so that our consumers can reach us”.
Regardless, Eko Electricity Distribution Plc has been effectively supplying power to the southern part of Lagos State and the Agbara community in Ogun State.
Its licensed areas are segmented into 11 districts – Lekki, Ibeju, Islands, Orile, Ijora, Apapa, Mushin, Festac, Ojo, Ajah and Agbara. Receiving between 11 and 15 percent of the total energy allocation from the national grid, the Company procures bulk electricity from Akangba, Ajah and Ikeja West transmission stations.
The company has no doubt been the leading and customer centric power utility company in Nigeria, as attested to by its teeming customers.
It is the earnest hope of EKEDC to achieve its projection, through the support of customers and stakeholders.
Olamide Adeniji is a member of the editorial team of TheScript Newspaper
