Distribution company battles vandalism, power supply challenges
Published By: Paul Dada
Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) Managing Director and CEO, Mr Abdulrahaman Isa, has said that the company faced 37 vandalism cases across its franchise areas, including Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, and Yobe, in the third quarter of 2024.
Yobe recorded the highest incidents, with 20 cases.
Isa disclosed this during a stakeholders’ sensitisation engagement at the Fombina Emirate Council in Yola on Saturday.
Isa stated that 12 of these cases have been prosecuted, with the culprits serving jail terms.
“These incidents disrupt service delivery and cause significant financial losses, affecting YEDC’s ability to meet its obligations.
“The company operates 12 transmission stations across its franchise areas, serving over 1.5 million customers.”
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Regarding ongoing power supply challenges, Isa noted rising costs in generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity.
“For instance, delivering 1 kWh of power to Adamawa costs ₦214, whereas the highest tariff collected was only ₦50 to ₦56 when the government subsidised electricity.
“However, since the subsidy withdrawal in April, tariffs have risen to over ₦214 for areas with good infrastructure, classified as Band A feeders.”
Isa highlighted economic challenges affecting the power sector, with purchasing power dropping by over 30 per cent, burdening consumers.
“In spite of these pressures, YEDC must continue to meet its obligations to purchase and distribute energy while covering operational costs.”
The Lamido Adamawa, Dr Barkindo Mustapha, expressed sympathy with YEDC, acknowledging the challenging business environment.He advised YEDC to invest in staff training, emphasising dialogue, persuasion, and conflict management skills to enhance customer relations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
