PHED Introduces New Business Model To Improve Supply

By: Tonye Nria-Dappa

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) has restated its determination to improve electricity supply to its customers through a newly introduced business model.
The company’s Managing Director (MD),  Mr. Henry Ajagbawa, in a statement, made available to the press, noted that the new business would ensure steady electricity supply to users in its catchment areas, especially the company’s franchise states, including AkwaIbom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers.
According to the statement, signed in Port Harcourt, by PHED’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. John AnonyaiAjagbawa, the new service models were Maximum Demand (MD), Non-maximum Demand Post-Paid Customer (PP), and Pre-paid Metered Customers (PPM).
Noting that the new models would be delivered in a six region structure, Ajagbawa said, “this new business model will be delivered on a six-region structure, with three product managers and commercial officers supported by several linesmen.
“The new structure replaces the existing zonal structure to enable quick wins, as well as produce smart goals in an evolving business environment”, he said.
Additionally, the MD said, “aside from the increase of electricity needs of our valued customers, the new model will meet the challenging dynamics in our business operating environment”.
He expressed hope that the new model would improve performance and productivity as well as monitor operational activities.
According to him, the new business plan was adopted as part of the company’s plans to place PHED on the front burner of electricity distribution in the country.
The MD further expressed the hope that the new business model would help the company achieve its objectives and surmount its challenges.
“The introduction of the new model will further help the company to achieve its objectives in spite of the challenges we face in our operations.
“The challenges range from inability to collect revenue from a large percentage of our customers, including deductions from source by authorities, restiveness and staff assault.
“Others are: inability to meet contractual agreements and making payment to Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for energy not sold to a segment of consumers”, he said.
Ajagbawa also appealed to the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies and the National Union of Electricity Employees for their support on the implementation of the new model.