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Tag: IBEDC

  • We lose N3billion to electricity thefts monthly – IBEDC

    We lose N3billion to electricity thefts monthly – IBEDC

    The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) on Wednesday, October 11, said that over three billion naira is being lost every month to electricity thefts by some of its customers.

    IBEDC said the customers fall into the categories of those who don’t make payments on their bills or are not paying the actual amount on their bills, those who bypass their meters, and some surcharge IBEDC among others.

    Speaking in Ibadan at the Electricity Consumer Complaint Resolution Platform, the Head of IBEDC Customer Support, Ayoola Adio lamented that the company runs on deficit every month, and this is preventing the company from serving its amiable customers better.

    Adio, who represented IBEDC’s managing director said the development is worrisome, and this necessitated cooperation between the company and electricity users to curb the menace.

    He however appealed to people to pay their bills promptly, report any defaulter, and support IBEDC so as to have money to resolve issues affecting its customers.

    Adio noted: “We are handling our customers well, we feel pains whenever customers come for complaints because our duty is to serve them better, the major complaint from our customers is billing and the only solution to that is metering but we are trying to bridge the gap.”

    “We want to sensitised our customers to desist, they should know that there is now a provision under the law that punishes violators or defaulters.”

    Read Also: IBEDC, electricity workers sign new condition of service

    In his remark, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Babatunde Irukera urged electricity consumers to contribute their quota towards ensuring adequate electricity supply.

    He described the event as a right step in the right direction, saying the platform would give consumers the opportunity to pour out their minds, and interface with IBEDC on challenges facing them.

    He said: “This platform will make the service providers to understand that their business is not just provision of electricity, but feedback from customers and demonstrate empathy, it is in face of this we get better interaction on both side.”

    “Customs experience in electricity has not improved over the years, if we fail to do the needful, we won’t be able to find solutions to challenges facing them.”

  • IBEDC sets up team to curb losses

    BY EMEKA UGWUANYI.

    Financial losses arising from commercial and technical losses have been a major challenge to electricity distribution companies (DisCos). To stem this trend and improve power supply to consumers, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has set up a prepaid meter team to ensure that customers are metered. The team will ensure that energy theft and bypass of meters are stopped or reduced to the barest minimum to boost the company’s revenue and enable it discharge its financial responsibilities to industry appropriately, reports EMEKA UGWUANYI.

    Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has begun a major revenue protection campaign with a crack team of over 60 executives and officers to curb aggregate, technical and commercial losses.

    The team will not only ensure that all the loopholes through which the company loses money are plugged but will endeavour to make collections improve substantially to enable the company pay its dues to the concerned agencies in the power sector promptly and have enough to smoothly run its operations.

    Inaugurating the team in Ibadan, the Chief Operating Officer, John Ayodele, said revenue protection is needed to block leakages that could make the Company go under, and that this trend has made many electricity distribution companies (DisCos) unable to pay their bills to the Market Operators and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader (NBET).

    He said lack of efficient revenue protection measures has been a major challenge as it deals with illegal consumption of power, prepaid meter bypass, under-billing, wrong tariff classification of customers and energy theft.

    IBEDC discovered that energy theft and meter tampering accounts for about 60 per cent of revenue losses across its franchise, between January and October 2019, and the company has dealt with about 1,333 cases of meter bypass.

    The establishment of the IBEDC prepaid meter (PPM) team is another initiative taken by the company to curb revenue leakages, other measures include “the use of advance metering infrastructure – this allows for two-way communication between the meter and the utility provider; whistleblowing initiative – to get and investigate reports and tip offs on corruption for prosecution.

    Ayodele, while receiving a delegation of the Management of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in Ibadan, said the losses and financial challenges in the sector is worsened by multiple taxation and huge debt by government agencies and parastatals. Mr. Ajani Adeleke, the Zonal Director Southwest, who led the delegation charged every Nigerian to be environment safety-conscious, especially the environmental regulations.

    In a similar development, IBEDC pledged its support to the rescue operations of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Oyo State. The Chief Operating Officer, who also received the Road Safety Commandant, Uche Winifred Chukwurah, spoke on the need for proper earthing of houses to avoid loss of property, accidents and deaths.

    Chukwurah  promised to continue the job of keeping the roads free of accidents.

     

  • IBEDC engages Ogun customers on new metering scheme

    THE Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has held a meeting with its various customers to sensitise them on the ongoing Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) scheme.

    It advised them to go through the appropriate channels to obtain meters or lodge complaints to avoid falling victims of fraudsters.

    IBEDC management gave the advice at its maiden town hall meeting with customers at Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital and its environs. IBEDC officials engaged and educated the customers and other stakeholders on the MAPs scheme.

    According to the utility firm, the scheme will help customers  get meters and check or stop the estimated billings, among others.

    IBEDC Chief Operating Officer, John Ayodele, who led the management, stated this during the town hall meeting.

    Ayodele said the company has pegged the cost of a single-phase meter at N38,325 while a three-phase meter cost N70,350, including the  Value Added Tax(VAT).

    Ayodele said: “IBEDC management is committed to ensuring that its over 988,915 customers have  meters with ease at a going of N38,325 for a single-phase meter while a three-phase meter costs N70,350 with Value Added Tax included.

    “Ibadan distribution Company (DisCo) also appeals to you customers to go through the proper channel to avoid fraudulent activities as there are no hidden charges, no processing fees and no application fees of any kind.

    “Customers are to apply for MAP application form after which a technical evaluation of the customer’s apartment is carried out and the customer gets a MAP identification number. This MAP identification is all that is required to pay at any bank in Nigeria. Meters are installed in customer’s premises within 10 working days after receipt of payment.”

    Ayodele explained that the MAP scheme was established under the MAP Regulation 2018 and introduced by the regulator – the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to put a stop to the incessant complaints about estimated billings by customers.

    He assured that the scheme would bridge the metering gap and accelerate meter roll out and thus enhance revenue drive.

    He explained that IBEDC has engaged seven meter vendors under MAP scheme to cater for the customers across its franchise areas of Ogun, Oyo and Osun states.

    According to him, the meter providers drawn from private sector are licensed by NERC to encourage the development of independent and competitive meter services.

    “The MAP scheme is not only for the provision of meters but, also responsible for the installation , maintenance  and replacement of faulty meters,” Ayodele said.

  • Hoodlums vandalise Ibadan DisCo’s equipment

    Hoodlums have invaded the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in Ilesha, Osun State, carted away cash and destroyed equipment worth over N360 million. They also injured some workers.

    According to the DisCo, the losses were worth N240 million and that by the time its personnel were allowed to access the offices and facilities, which were cordoned off for safety, they would be able to assess the substation that was also vandalised.

    If the substation is damaged, it would cost another N120 million to put it in working condition, thereby bringing the total cost of the damage to N360 million.

    Read also: 3 employees docked for allegedly setting IBEDC office ablaze in Ilesa

    The firm’s Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, John Donnachie, briefing reporters in Lagos at the weekend, said due to the extensive damage done to the distribution network infrastructure, specifically the Oke-Omiru injection substation and the accompanying district facilities, power could not be restored because huge cash would be required to revamp and rehabilitate the infrastructure.

    He said the company has, however, restored power supply to the neighbouring towns which were not affected.

    He said as a result of the huge damage to the facilities, supply to the affected communities would not be achieved soonest. This is the unfortunate aftermath of the mayhem unleashed in Ilesha about two weeks ago, he added.

    He said: “When a group of hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons like guns, machetes and other sharp objects from Bolorunduro and Olomilagbala communities under Isare Service centre, swooped on the office infrastructures, they shot sporadically into the air to create panic and chaos while their operation lasted. They forcefully gained entrance into the cash office, carted away money from our cash collections and took away mobile phones of some of our staff. “

  • 3 employees docked for allegedly setting IBEDC office ablaze in Ilesa

    Three staff of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) on Wednesday appeared before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court for allegedly setting ablaze the IBEDC office in Ilesa.

    The defendants, Bidemi Adebisi, 39; Philip Sunday, 17 and Adeyemi Sunday, 19, are facing a six count-charge bordering on conspiracy and arson.

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Prosecutor, Insp. Elisha Olusegun, told the court that the trio committed the offences with some other persons still at large from March 14 to March 17 at 8:30pm at Ilesa.

    Olusegun said the defendants who set the office ablaze also assaulted some other members of staff of the electricity company.

    He said the defendants also unlawfully damaged windows and doors in the office as well as vehicles belonging to the company.

    “They conducted themselves in a manner that led to the breach of public peace, ‘’ he said.
    He said the offence contravened Sections 516, 443, 451, 355, 70 and 76 of the Criminal Law of Osun, 2002.

    The Defense Counsel, Mr Allo Emmanuel, urged the court to grant his clients bail in the most liberal terms.

    In his ruling, the Magistrate, Mr Olusegun Ayilara, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500, 000 each with one surety each in the like sum.

    Ayilara said the sureties should reside within the court’s jurisdiction and show evidence of tax payments to the Osun Government.

    He said the sureties should also be civil servants in the state and adjourned the case to May 3 for mention. (NAN)

  • Again, court orders IBEDC to restore electricity to Ijesa land

    An Ilesa High Court in Osun again ordered the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to restore to restore electricity supply in Ijesaland, Osun State.

    Justice A. L. Adegoke, who gave the order on Monday, held that partial compliance with the order of the court would not be tolerated.

    NAN reports that on March 18, the court ordered the IBEDC, to restore public electricity supply in Ijesaland,.

    This followed an ex-parte application filed by the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Ilesa branch against the distribution company for allegedly shutting down public electricity supply in Ijesaland.

    The court, presided over by Justice Adegoke also granted the prayer of the association to serve the court processes on IBEDC in Ibadan.

    Speaing to NAN after the court’s ruling, the Plaintiff Counsel, Mr Olayinka Sokoya, who spoke on behalf of Mr Kanmi Ajibola, said that the court has extended the validity of order until April 16.

    “There cannot be contempt of court and be asking for any favour from court, but they should strictly adhere to court order so as to maintain peaceful coexistence in Ilesa and its environs.

    “Hopefully any moment from now, electricity supply would be restore to Ilesa and Ijesa land communities which will ameliorate the hardship of the indigenes” he stated.

    Also, Mr Adegbite Adeniyi, the IBEDC Counsel, told NAN that IBEDC has partially comply with court order by restore light to four local governments out of Six local government in Ijesa land.

    Adeniyi said that the four local governments where electricity was restored are Oriade, Obokun, Atakumosa East and West.

    He said that part of the equipment damaged cannot be easily bought in Nigeria.

    Adeniyi said Atakumosa West still faced power outage because IBEDC was forced to comply with court order and the restoration has affected their appliances.

    NAN reports that irate youths protested on March 18, while the IBEDC office got burnt against the disconnection of light in Ijesa land.

  • Saki residents bemoan months long outage

    Some residents of Saki in Saki West Council Area of Oyo State, on Monday complained of the unending power failure in the area, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

    Some of the residents who spoke with NAN said the situation was becoming worrisome and unbearable for them.

    Mrs Imole Dorcas

    , a community leader and human rights activist, said “We have made series of efforts to solve this problem since but no result”.

    “Our power problem in Saki is an age-long one and can be traced to the 80s, we have recently written so many letters to Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), still no results.

    “Most of our communities in Saki have even lost the few hours of supply they get to recent outage, imagine a city with huge commercial activities in perpetual darkness,” she queried.

    Also speaking, Mr Saheed Adewale, a retired civil servant, lamented non-implementation of the different administrations to solve the power crisis bedeviling the town.

    While commending youths of the area for not taking laws into their hands, he also appealed to government and agencies involved to do the needful.

    Read Also: Community gives FG condition relocating from power line

    Mr Iyiola Akande, a commercial cyclist operator, also appealed for urgent intervention.

    “I am a trained machinist, since companies are closing down due to lack of power, I discussed with my family and I joined the cyclist operators business, to keep the family going,” he said.

    NAN investigations revealed that areas that are mostly affected are; Sabo area, Ogboro Road, Isale Oro, Sango, Ajegunle, Medina, Challenge, Isale Adini and Igboro areas.

  • NERC suspends board of Ibadan DisCo over N5.7b loan balance

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has suspended the Board of Directors and key management staff of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company  (IBEDC) over N5.7 billion loan balance d default. 

    The suspension, according to the commission’s Head of Media Unit,  Mrs Vivian Mbonu, in a statement yesterday,  was “vide its Order No NERC/181/2018 of June 19th 2018.”

    NERC suspended them on account of the company’s default in the recovery of an inappropriate shareholder loan of N6billion granted to Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Group (IEDMG) Ltd by the utility.

    Read Also: NASENI, NERC to collaborate on metres distribution 

    IEDMG, according to her, is the core investor in IEBDC following the privatisation of electricity distribution companies by the Federal Government. The loan was granted by IBEDC from funds released to all DisCos by the CBN under the Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilisation Funds (NEMSF) for the purpose of improving the networks and reducing aggregate technical, commercial and collection losses.

    The Commission had earlier fined IBEDC a sum of N50million on the 18th September 2017 for non-compliance with Order No NERC/173/2017 directing the company to fully recover the outstanding sum of N5.7bn being the balance of the loan granted by the utility to IEDMG.

  • Assets enumeration exercise will improve service delivery – IBEDC

    The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) said on Saturday it has introduced Assets and Customer Enumeration exercise to improve its customer service delivery.

    The IBEDC Project Officer in Omu-Aran Business District in Kwara, Mr. Olatunji Akeem, disclosed this during a sensitisation visit to the palace of Olomu of Omu-Aran.

    The IBEDC officials were in the palace to seek the community leader’s support on the exercise.

    The officials were at the Omu-Aran Central mosque on Friday to sensitise the Muslim community there.

    Akeem said the exercise involved the technical audit of the company’s assets and data capturing of existing and prospective customers.

    “The exercise involves the identification of developed, undeveloped and vacant properties within the district,” he stated.

    NAN

     

     

  • Community gets electricity after 10 years

    Community gets electricity after 10 years

    Magboro community on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, popularly referred to as “Second Lagos’’, unexpectedly had electricity restored to the area on Monday.
    Magboro, including Ibafo and Asese on the axis had been without power supply for 10 years.
    The communities had at various times protested the protracted power outage.
    The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) responsible for the power supply, however, blamed the protracted darkness on the contractors engaged by the Federal Government to build its power project.
    Its Deputy Managing Director, John Ayodele, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the areas were not totally cut off but had been getting power supply intermittently from Abeokuta, Ogun State.
    He blamed the poor power supply on the uncompleted National Independent Power Project (NIPP) in the area.
    “The areas are to get supply from Akute through the NIPP but last year when it was scheduled for inauguration, we noticed that the contractors used sub-standard materials.
    “We decided that the contractors handling the project should reconstruct or address the defects in the project, but as we speak they have not done anything.
    “When the plant was to be connected to distribute power, it could not carry the loads in the areas,’’ he said.
    The company, however, promised to restore power to the affected communities latest by December.
    Reprieve came to the way of the communities as the House of Representatives at a plenary on November 18, urged the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to urgently complete the power project in the area.
    The House decried the long neglect by the distribution company handling power in the affected area.
    To the surprise of many residents, electricity which was restored at about 10 am was sustained beyond 4 pm.
    A resident, Olayinka Eyiwuawi, who could not hide his feeling, said it was great having power restored to the community.
    “Obviously, it is an ecstatic reaction that having stayed in darkness for 15 or more years in an environment, power is restored.
    “My house is yet to be lit, but looking at the progress of the work, it will be gradual before they finish the whole area,’’ he said.
    Eyiwuawi urged IBEDC to give some concession to the community over contributions made to augment the speedy completion of the power project.
    “Personally, I paid N80,000 for connection, so, I will expect a lot of reprieve, especially in the usage of the light for a certain period.
    “IBDEC has sold pre-paid meter while the power is not available and it looks fraudulent to us,’’ he said.
    Another resident, Mr Shefiu Abiodun, said that the power restored to the community was like a dream to him, adding that the community had experienced many failed promises in the past.
    “When I saw the light today, I could not believe it because we have had many December promises, but we were caught unawares today with this fulfilment.