Electricity agency ANED, moves to end energy theft

By Kingsley Chukwuka

Association of Electricity Distributors of Nigeria (ANED), has advised energy consumers to employ strategies that will help in checkmating electricity thieves in their various localities.

ANED made the call recently in Jos during a stakeholders forum organised in conjunction with MacArthur Foundation.

The forum targeted at Jos electricity consumers, was chaired by the Director,  Advocacy and Research, ANED, Chief Sunday Oduntan.

Oduntan, while addressing consumers decried the activities of vandals and energy thefts in the country, said no country would grow industrially if criminals were allowed to continue to depreciate and decapitate electricity facilities unchallenged.

He called on members of the public to patriotically take ownership of the electrical installation in their domain by safeguarding them, stressing that the facilities were for the common good of all.

In his remarks, the Head of Revenue Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Mr Oyebode Aiyelero who disclosed that customers were heavily indebted to the company urged customers not to default in paying for their consumed energies.

He said for the company to continue to satisfy its customers in terms of delivery of energy, customers must endeavour to keep to their part of the bargain by paying for their consumed energy.

In his presentation, the Head of Retail Metering, Engr Nasir Mohammed Suleiman who explained the procedure of metering customers called on customers to take advantage of the Meters Asset Providers (MAP) to be metered.

He disclosed that desiring customers would be metered in not more than ten days after payment which he said must be through the banks.

Also speaking on JED’s efforts at improving service delivery and new initiative,  the Head, O and M, Engr Umar Isawa, said that the company was strengthening its network in all its franchise States for quality supply of energy to its customers.

On his part, the Head, of customers’ complaints and relationships management, Lucky Akpobi called on customers not to hesitate in channelling their complaints to the company in writing assuring that complaints received would be expeditiously attended to.