14 October 2012, Sweetcrude, Enugu – The Chairman of the Federal House of Representative Committee on Power, Patrick Ikhariale, has praised the efforts of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company for the customer-friendly website newly developed to enhance its business relations.
Ikhariale who was at the Electricity Company with members of his committe, on working visit (oversight duty), said this would bridge existing gaps with the Company and its numerous customers.
He expressed deep satisfaction with the presentations made to the Comittee by the Managing Director, Mr Suleiman Yahaya, noting that the Company had done well in the management of mometary releases made available to it and urged other components of the uncoupled PHCN to emulate the Enugu office.
He disclosed that, although the Federal Lawmakers supported the privatization of PHCN, they were right on their feet, to ensure that due diligence was strictly followed and assured the present workers not to nurse fears of losing their jobs, as they remained the engine room of the Power Sector, adding, “Privatization or not, you still remain the engine room of the Power Sector. Your jobs as far as I am concerned, are secured. The goose that lays the golden eggs, must not be allowed to die.”
In his presentation earlier, Yahaya had informed the Committe that, out of the #5.47 billion appropriated for it this fiscal year, only #1.78 billion, representing about 30%, has been released to it so far and disclosed that 70% of the amount recieved which is #1.25 billion, has been properly utilized in providing services to the states in the South East – Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo and Abia.
The Managing Director disclosed that the website was put together to enable the over 619, 344 customers. settle their bills, recharge their prepaid meters online, on a 24-hour basis and collect instant Receipts.
He further enumerated the benefits of the website to include reporting of cable faults and interaction with staff to get information in advance of possible Power outages.
He also appealed to the Law makers to consider and appropriate more fundsto the Company or at least, help make case for the release of the outstanding budget sum to enable the purchase of more transformers to meeting the increasing needs of the teemining population in the area.
