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APL Electric Company Limited, Aba has said the Company did not hurriedly make tarrif adjustments without wide consultation unlike other DisCos in the country that adjusted theirs in April 2024.
Aba Power also stated that before the adjustments were effected, it engaged relevant bodies which took the form of town hall meetings, radio announcements, use of social media platforms among other avenues outlined by the framework established by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, (NREC).
The Company informed that the essence of the engagement was to ensure that the right information is put out to the public on the rationale behind the adjustments, adding that it was also a move by the Company to ensure transparency in its operations in Aba and it’s environs.
Addressing Journalists on Wednesday at its facility in Osisioma LGA of Abia State on strides recorded by the Company since it commenced operation in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State two years ago, the Managing Director, APLE, Barr. Ugo Opiegbe, said the order for the tarrif adjustment was received December 30, 2024, with an effective date of January 1, 2025.
Barr. Opiegbe stated that the order for the tarrif adjustment was necessitated by the micro-economic realities affecting the power sector in Nigeria, insisting that unlike other DisCos in the country, Aba Power, runs an entirely cost-effective power generation and distribution system that Aba inhabitants cannot easily get in other parts of the country.
He pointed out that other DisCos in the country carried out an upward tarrif adjustment since April 2024, but Aba Power continued running with the lowest tarrifs with its area of operation despite the fact that the Company does not receive any Government subsidies, interventions among others.
Barr. Opiegbe said “This decision underscores our commitment to shielding our customers from the full brunt of economic pressures for as long as possible. It was also our attempt to grapple with the economic reforms by the newly sworn in Federal Government of Nigeria at the time to see how much gains the reforms could introduce. Apparently, the reforms have continued till date and we could no longer withstand the impacts.”
Speaking on transparency being the guiding principle in the modus operandi of Aba Power, Barr. Opiegbe stated that APL Electric Company is running concurrent metering initiatives, that is, the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, and Mass Metering Program, advising customers who cannot wait for the mass metering to explore the benefits the MAP scheme provides to get metered quickly.
Reacting to the avalanche of complaints received from Customers in Aba and it’s environs, Barr. Opiegbe, appealed to customers to exercise patience when they lodge complaints, saying the cost of running a business as gigantic as that of Aba Power is massive, just as he maintained that the Company has performed creditably.
He also called for Mobile Courts to be established in areas they cover to ensure that those who tamper with their transformers and vandalise other property belonging to APL Electric Company will be prosecuted in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Lending his voice, The Chief Operating Officer, Aba Power, Engr. Blessing Ogbe, revealed that despite constraints in running at full capacity and catching up with the electricity needs of Aba and it’s environs, Aba Power is handicapped by Double Sourcing or Energy Theft of its installations among those who are not real customers of the Company.
He noted that even though it is militating against the smooth operations of APL Electric, the Company has remained resolute in discharging it’s duties to her numerous customers.
Ogbe also stated that tappings from its installations have also been on the rise even as the Company is grappling with Energy Theft, calling on Customers in Aba and environs to assist the Company as it is poised to ensure that Aba is returned to a full industrial hub.
He enjoined Customers to lodge their complaints to the Communications Department of the Company, saying they are poised to assist in resolving such genuine complaints while also calling on the media to assist the Aba Power in clearing some erroneous misconceptions about the Aba Power.
On his part, The Head, Legal and Regulatory Compliance, Aba Power, Charles Torti, revealed that since the 2 years of its operation, Aba Power, has not incurred any sanctions from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, (NREC) in the area of Capping, emphasizing that most DisCos in the country, have been fined billions of naira for infringement.
He attributed the success to a clear and cut out structure put in place in APL Electric Company Limited, Aba, saying that they have been transparent in their operations.
Contributing, The Branding and Communications Officer, Aba Power, Mr. Edise Ekong, implored the media to do more in terms of reporting the various successes recorded by Aba Power just as enjoined the media to harp on the high level of vandalism of Transformers and other installations of APL Electric Company Limited in their reportage.
Recall that Aba Power had announced 30 days of uninterrupted power supply across the ring fence while electricity users have also confirmed the positive changes witnessed from the DisCo.
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