The Management of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, IKEDC, has said that it is working in conjunction with its technical partners, Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO) to ensure meter accuracy and loss reduction within its network.
Speaking during the oversight visit of the Senate Committee on Privatisation to IKEDC, Engr. Abiodun Ajifowobaje, MD/CEO, IKEDC said the company had made significant progress in its quest to ensure a robust metering system that will enhance accuracy in billing.
Ajifowobaje said KEPCO was spearheading an exhaustive review of IKEDC’s network to achieve the introduction of effective meters as well as promote reduction of energy losses through continuing upgrade and optimization of the company’s installations and facilities.
“IKEDC is working with KEPCO to provide a strategic solution to metering that takes cognizance of the needs of all customers within the network. I am happy to report that with the adoption of new technology we have made substantial progress in this regard and remain committed to ensuring that all our customers are adequately metered,” he said.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation, Senator Gbenga Obadara commended the efforts of the current administration in the power sector adding that the committee was committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the nation achieves its quest for a robust power sector.
“Our oversight function has seen us embark on visits to the various PHCN successor companies in line with our resolve to facilitate an accelerated march towards transforming the nation’s economy through uninterrupted power supply. Those visits have thrown up several issues. But I remain confident that the nation will ultimately achieve its objectives in the power sector,” he said.
He commended IKEDC for partnering with KEPCO, a firm globally renowned for its excellent record in all the value chains of power. He urged the company to ensure the collaboration is strategically executed to ensure the nation benefits immensely from the expertise of KEPCO.
Ajifowobaje said IKEDC, buoyed by over N800m released by the board to drive quick wins had embarked on rehabilitation of vandalized transformers, replacement of undersized overhead conductors, completion of abandoned distribution projects and reduction in estimated billing issues.
According to him, IKEDC had also centralized its billing system to drive accuracy and introduced the Automatic Meter Reading system which drives remote access to meters for efficiency and effective monitoring.
Listing inadequate power supply as one of the company’s greatest challenges, Ajifobaje said the company, instead of receiving daily supply of 1351 mw receives an average of 345MW, representing a shortage of 700mw which places a huge strain on daily distribution. He also decried the spate of vandalism on the company’s installations and facilities.
“I am however happy to report that IKEDC is involved in ongoing talks with several partners to explore supply from embedded power generation, Independent Power Projects and other sources to improve supply. We are equally working on a robust metering model that will promote transparency in billing and eradicate energy theft,” he added.
Ajifowobaje said the company had upgraded its contact centre to enable customers access instant assistance with their power queries by speaking to Ikedc’s customer service personnel in English and major native languages.
He further disclosed that the Company has also been partnering with the Lagos State Government on Energy Conservation in order to reduce wastage of Electricity by the populace.
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