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PHED Mulls Massive Disconnection Of Debtor Customers …To Sustain Arrest, Prosecution Of Energy Thieves
The management of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company Plc has concluded plans to launch massive disconnection of debtor customers effective, January, 2022.
The Managing Director of the company, Dr Henry Ajagbawa, who disclosed this during an interactive parley with media executives in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, however, said that before the commencement of the exercise, customers would be given up to the end of December, 2021, to clear outstanding indebtedness to the company.
Ajagbawa said that to encourage customers to key into the window, a three-week grace period has been given to customers to clear a discounted payment of between 70percent and 80percent of outstanding debts, while the company writes off a graduated indebtedness of between 20percent and 30percent for their loyal customers.
He said that the promo period was to encourage loyal customers to enjoy steady and efficient electricity supply during the Yuletide and New Year through 2022, saying that already the company was seeing signs of high level of effectiveness in revenue collection.
Ajagbawa explained that for the first time since the company began operation of the four-state distribution network in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Cross River; its financials have shown steady tilt towards profitability, and attributed the giant leap to encouraging attitude of customers in payment of energy consumed.
While expressing confidence that the 66percent revenue collection efficiency level achieved was significant, he complained that a situation where customers paid only 50kobo of every N1 of energy consumed was an unnecessary disincentive to investment, arguing that there was urgent need to bridge the yawning gap.
The PHED chief executive, who lamented that energy theft has continued to weaken the company’s drive towards steady and regular electricity supply to its huge customers in the zone, said that more stringent strategies have been put in place to arrest and prosecute all energy thieves to ensure that those who religiously meet their obligations get regular electricity supply, adding that the company was doing all it can to close all leakages in the system.
He noted the alleged corruption in the energy theft conundrum, but said that as a way of eliminating staff compromise in the entire debacle, the management has ensured that staff welfare was key priority, with salaries paid on 30th of every month, while other incentives have been implemented across the spectrum.
“As part of strategies to improve staff welfare, we have procured and put to use over 100 vehicles to enable technical crews respond to customer needs as quickly as possible; just as we have procured more than 800 personal protective equipment (PPEs) for technicians and engineers. We have also ensured regular promotion of staff every June and December based on measurable performance matrix, with those promoted receiving their benefits effective every January and July, for those promoted in December and June, respectively.
Ajagbawa warned customers against engaging the services of non-PHED staff to address any services, including connection and reconnection of supply lines, installation of transformers or repairs of facilities, saying that most of the fatalities recorded thus far were traceable to use of fake PHED personnel to perform illegal connection or reconnection activities.
While addressing technical issues in the business, Ajagbawa said that since inception two years ago, the new management has embarked on proactive redistribution of more than 10 feeders and/or transformers; repaired over 300 transformers; procured and installed over 30 new transformers; and installed more than 10 automatic circuit reclosers; to boost and balance electricity supply to customers, who are connected to electricity through more than 10,000 transformers in the network.
He also said that in a bid to ensure uninterrupted power supply to its valued customers, the company had at some point, intervened by supporting the rehabilitation of facilities of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and added that the management was working very closely with all stakeholders, including Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), National Assembly, the Executive in all catchment states, particularly the governors; and community leaders to ensure security of installations and safety of field staff as a veritable means of guaranteeing regular electricity supply.
On the dearth of prepaid meters to capture all customers who need one, Ajagbawa said that at inception, PHED had procured and distributed 79,000 new meters to customers who indicated interest to transit from the analogue structure to automated prepaid regime, saying that with the huge 800,000-unmetered customer deficit inherited from Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) at take-off, it would take concerted synergy and huge investments to close the demand-supply gap.
He, however, said that as a deliberate approach towards bridging the gap, the management has concluded arrangements with meter manufacturers (MAP VENDORS) under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) to produce more meters for customers at NERC-approved rates of N58,661.69 from N44,896.17 for single phase meters; and N109,684.36 from N82,855.19 for three phase meters.
Ajagbawa advised customers who need prepaid meters to go to designated PHED business offices or zonal centres to register and pay for new meters at approved rates, assuring that customers’ monies would be refunded through direct vending or credit adjustment on bill payments over time.
He assured loyal customers who take advantage of the opportunities that every kobo spent on prepaid meter procurement would be refunded, saying that the initiative was to ensure that the ‘meter-is-free’ policy was fully implemented without compromising the intent and purpose.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.