PHED targets to meter 831,675 customers by 2028

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) has announced plans of metering all of its 831,675 customers across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers by 2028.

The Managing Director, Mr Ete Pinnick, made the disclosure at a customer enlightenment and complaint resolution meeting in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Pinnick said that the company had so far achieved 60 per cent metering coverage of about 332,679 customers

He expressed confidence that the firm would achieve the target of 100 per cent metering of the remaining 499,005 customers by 2028.

“We have invested heavily in meeting our Maximum Demand Customers, and by the end of 2025, we expect to achieve 100 per cent metering coverage,” he said.

He further said that currently, PHED had 85,000 prepaid meters being installed under various metering initiatives.

The PHED helmsman said that under the Meter Acquisition Fund, Phase II, the company received 16,000 prepaid meters, and that 10,000 meters were installed in Phase I.

Pinnick explained that the company decided to hold quarterly meetings with customers in order to improve engagement, transparency and service delivery across the coverage states.

“This forum is to listen to our customers, obtain feedback, and learn how we can serve them better.

“It also allows us to inform them of ongoing initiatives and the cultural transformation we are driving across our power distribution value chain,” he stated.

Pinnick noted that despite significant progress in its supply chain, PHED had continued to face challenges arising from customers’ age long belief that electricity should be without charge.

He also decried the widespread issue of meter bypassing, describing it as a major setback that had resulted in huge revenue loss.

“One of our biggest challenges is the sense of entitlement among some customers who refuse to pay for electricity.

“Despite the fact that the government still subsidises electricity for Bands B, C, D, and E, this problem persists.

“For instance, Afam community in Oyibo Local Government Area consumes about N1.2 billion worth of electricity monthly but does not pay a kobo. This mindset must change if we are to make progress,” he said.

The managing director further highlighted the challenge of ageing transmission infrastructure, which remains a major constraint to stable power delivery across the four states.

He said the transmission lines were obsolete, saying,”although efforts are ongoing to replace the equipment, full completion will take time”

In response, the Rivers Government pledged continued support for PHED to enhance access to electricity and customer satisfaction

Mr Mershack Orji, the Head, Electricity Network, Rivers State Ministry of Power, said that the Gov. Siminalayi Fubara-led administration had made several interventions in the power sector.

He stated that the governor had deployed multiple power transformers to communities as part of efforts to improve electricity supply in the state.

“Although this is not directly the responsibility of the state government, Fubara has nevertheless intervened. As a government, we cannot allow our people to suffer prolonged power deficiency.

“The Rivers State Government continues to liaise with PHED to resolve complaints, and as at today, some government institutions now enjoy more reliable power supply,” he said.

On power regulation, Orji explained that the state government was following due process in implementing power regulations within its jurisdiction.

“The takeover of power regulation in the state is ongoing. We are not rushing it. Our plan is that when completed, it will be properly implemented,” he said.