Electricity: AEDC rolls out new initiatives for effective service delivery

...As Ojelabi’s team vows to drive company to new heights of operational excellence
…Pleads with customers for prompt settlement of outstanding bills

By Chris Ochayi

ABUJA: The new management team at the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, says it has introduced new initiatives to enhance its operational capabilities with a view to delivering best service to the customers.

The AEDC also assured the customers that the new changes effected will bring about a significant improvement in the service delivery.

The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Victor Ojelabi, who disclosed this, while speaking with journalists in Abuja, said the new team’s “Commitment to serve the customers is unwavering.”

Ojelabi, during the session introduced a series of initiatives embarked by AEDC to transform its operations and enhance service delivery to their esteemed customers.

He noted further that the new leadership team led by his humble self is poised to drive the organization to new heights of operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

According to him, “We are proud to introduce the following executives who are dedicated to achieving our goals, who include Engr. Okwuokenye Chijioke – Chief Operating Officer (COO), Babajide Ibironke – Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Godfrey Aba – Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Iguwo Ukwu – Company Secretary and Head Legal, Uche Anyalewechi – Chief Information Officer (CIO), Irene Nwankwo – Chief Internal Auditor and Engr. Canice Emeka – Chief Business Officer, APO Zone.

Other members of the team according to Ojelabi are Leticia Ejindu – Chief Business Officer, Garki Zone, Olumide Jerome – Chief Business Officer, Wuse Zone, Engr. Adeyemi Jonathan – Chief Business Officer, Outer Region (Kogi, Nasarawa, and Niger), Adefisayo Akinsanya – Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ibem Idika – Human Resources and Administration, Kenechukwu Ofili – Head Customer Experience Strategic Intent and Operational Effectiveness.

He said, “At AEDC, we are prioritizing the clearance of outstanding bills to optimize service delivery and ensure operational efficiency.

“This strategic move is designed to enhance our financial health, enabling us to provide more robust and reliable electricity distribution services.

“We appeal to all our valued customers with outstanding bills to settle them promptly. This is crucial in maintaining uninterrupted service delivery and ensuring that we provide reliable electricity to every household and business in our service areas.’

Some of the several key initiatives embarked by the company to bolster its service delivery and customer satisfaction he said include the TID Rollover.

“We have launched the Token Identifier (TID) Rollover to enhance the integrity and functionality of prepaid meters. This initiative is crucial for accurate billing and updating the meter software security.

“The global termination for the TID rollover is 30th November 2024. However our target is to ensure all customers are rolled over by July 31, 2024.

In the area of mass metering program, he pointed out that, “As part of the Federal Government’s Mass Metering initiative, we are facilitating the distribution of meters to unmetered customers. I encourage our customers to apply for meters through AEDC’s streamlined application process to benefit from accurate and fair billing.

“Operationalisation of Vending Platforms: We have successfully operationalised our vending platforms, making it easier for customers to purchase electricity tokens through various convenient channels. Visit AEDC’s vending platform at pay4energy.abujaelectricity.com or any UBA branch nationwide.

“Enhanced Customer Experience: We are committed to providing a swift and effective customer experience. We have strengthened our customer experience department to ensure timely responses to inquiries and complaints, further enhancing customer satisfaction.

“Digital Transformation: In our quest to improve internal efficiency, we are digitalizing several internal processes, including the implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This move is expected to significantly improve employee turnaround time and operational efficiency.

On collaboration with the Media, the MD emphasized that, “We recognize the critical role of the media in informing and serving the public. We are committed to fostering a collaborative relationship with media partners to ensure transparent and accurate communication with our customers”

On energy theft, the AEDC announced that it is taking a strong stance against energy theft through increased vigilance and “night raids” to identify and address illegal connections. This will ensure fairer billing for all customers and reduce system losses.