The Eko Electricity Distribution Company has reaffirmed its commitment to substantial investments in infrastructure upgrades aimed at enhancing electricity supply and customer satisfaction across its network.

Acting Managing Director of EKEDC, Rekhiat Momoh, made this assurance while addressing attendees at the Festac Customers Consultative Forum on Thursday in Lagos.

The forum gathered customers from Festac Town, Maza-Maza, Agboju, Satellite Town, Kirikiri Town, and Ijegun communities.

Ms Momoh, represented by the General Manager of Corporate Communications and Strategy, Babatunde Lasaki, emphasised the company’s focus on replacing faulty transformers and installing new ones to boost efficiency and reliability.

She noted that EKEDC made significant investments in replacing and repairing equipment across various network areas.

She explained that the forum provided a platform for open dialogue on power-related concerns, allowing both customers, stakeholders, and management to address issues constructively and without conflict.

Ms Momoh reiterated the company’s dedication to improving electricity supply across its network, regardless of the significant challenges within Nigeria’s electricity supply sector.

“In line with our commitment, EKEDC consistently allocates substantial annual capital expenditure for rehabilitation and infrastructure improvement. The key expectation of our customers is uninterrupted service, and we understand the importance of delivering reliable and high-quality power,” she said.

Ms Momoh also stressed EKEDC’s prioritisation of safety within its operations.

“Electricity can be a reliable partner when used correctly, but it can also be dangerous if mishandled. We are making substantial investments to ensure a safe, reliable, and uninterrupted power supply for our customers, ” Ms Momoh added.

She expressed confidence that, with the right infrastructure in place and governmental support, EKEDC would be able to deliver a minimum of 20 hours of uninterrupted electricity within its network areas over the next decade.

According to her, if all things proceed as planned, with the processes and improvements they’re implementing, Lagos will be a pilot region for the scheme.

Ms Momoh further emphasised that EKEDC plans to collaborate with independent power companies to harness more captive energy from diverse sources, including renewables, to supplement the national grid.

“We are committed to ensuring that our customers receive the power supply they need, and we aim to achieve a significant improvement in service delivery within the next 10 years,” she assured.

Addressing issues of vandalism, illegal connections, and energy theft, Ms Momoh reiterated EKEDC’s zero-tolerance policy and warned that offenders would face legal consequences.

“We need the cooperation of our communities to address these challenges and we will continue ensuring that energy from the national grid is effectively distributed to customers,” she added.

She also warned against tampering with equipment, stressing that such actions could lead to fatalities or serious injuries.

“Vandalising or tampering with power installations is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. It can result in outages that affect the entire community,” she stated. 

On safety, Head of Health, Safety, and Environment, Cletus Onyekwu, urged customers to avoid using unauthorised technicians, often referred to as “NEPA 2,” for fixing power faults, labelling the practice both illegal and hazardous.

He also advised customers to be cautious when using electrical appliances at home to prevent electrocution, warning against overloading sockets and using wet hands when touching electrical devices.

Mr Onyekwu further emphasised the need to protect children from electrical hazards.

On community cooperation, Passport Control Officer at the Festac Passport Office, Aghata Maman, called on residents to refrain from vandalising EKEDC’s equipment.

She encouraged customers and community leaders to take active roles in safeguarding electricity installations for the benefit of all.

Also, Chairman of the Customer Consultative Forum for Festac/Satellite Town, Akinrolabu Olukayode, urged EKEDC to invest in advanced fault-detection technology to improve communication with customers during outages.

He also emphasised that the forum served as a critical platform for resolving ongoing power-related issues in the communities.

Mr Olukayode further appealed to customers to engage with EKEDC management constructively rather than resorting to violence.

He acknowledged that EKEDC had made efforts to ensure effective power supply and timely replacement of damaged equipment. 

(NAN)