Rainy season: EKEDCP calls for caution among electricity consumers

The management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EKEDCP) on Thursday appealed to customers in its network to be more cautious in using electricity during the rainy season.

Mr Godwin Idemudia, Assistant General Manager, Communications, EKEDCP, made the appeal during a customers’ forum in Lagos.

Idemudia urged customers to avoid cutting of trees under electricity high tension and service cables.

He warned customers to stop vandalising electricity installations within their areas.

The EKEDCP spokesman said that customers should be extra cautious around electrical installations as the rainy season began to gain momentum.

According to him, the rainy season is usually plagued with increased accidents within the electricity sector due to heavy rainfall, windstorms and floods.

“We appeal to all members of the public to be on their guard, to avoid falling victim of any accident that could easily occur during the rains.

“The company places a premium on the safety of its staff and customers alike, hence the proactive call for caution during this accident-prone season,” he said.

Idemudia said there was need to observe all safety codes and regulations, especially during the season, adding that the company would continue to sensitise its customers and the general public to safety measures to adopt to stay safe.

He said the need for heightened awareness on safety measures during the season was due to the hazard posed by the mix of electricity and water.

He advised members of the public to avoid conditions that could compromise their safety around electricity such as using wet electrical appliances; stepping in puddles of potentially charged water; coming in contact with exposed electrical wires, among others.

He also warned citizens to be mindful of streetlights within the Lagos metropolis as fatal cases had been reported in the past where road users unfortunately came in contact with exposed energised wires connected to the streetlight.

Idemudia called on residents, within the company’s network coverage area, to also be mindful of snapped power cables and fallen poles, incidents which could occur during heavy rainfall.

He said that wherever such incidents occured, residents should call the company’s Customer Care help lines on 01-4537850 and 07080655555 or through the company’s social media handles immediately and maintain a safe distance from the point of the accident.

He warned against the common practice of conducting commercial activities under power cables, noting that the poles could easily snap due to strong winds.

He also advised consumers not to engage quack electricians to attempt repairs as it could lead to property damage, fires and even loss of life.

“EKEDCP has put measures in place to ensure the safety of lives and property within its network, such as its Network Safety Monitoring initiative, which was launched in 2016.

“The safety drive is not just meant to be sustained during the rainy season but it is pertinent to maintain top-of-mind safety awareness among our valued customers at every point in time.

“We hope that our customers will in turn pass this information around such that more accidents are prevented and we will avoid loss of lives.”