Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) has taken a firm stance against energy theft within its operational regions, which include Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers states. The company’s Managing Director, Mrs. Ochuko Amah, recently announced a proactive strategy to eliminate the rampant theft of electricity through various means such as meter tampering and illegal connections.
During a “Thank You Event” organized for the Gamma 2 Region in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Mrs. Amah emphasized the seriousness of the issue and PHED’s commitment to addressing it head-on. She highlighted the detrimental effects of energy theft on both the company and its legitimate customers, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach involving technological upgrades and customer engagement.
“We are determined to eradicate energy theft from our service areas. It’s a significant challenge that undermines our operations and affects all our customers. By deploying smart meters and strategically relocating existing ones, we aim to thwart the efforts of those engaging in illegal activities,” Mrs. Amah declared.
The event also served as a platform to recognize the outstanding contributions of PHED staff members who have played pivotal roles in maintaining operational efficiency despite the challenges faced in the industry.
“In acknowledging the efforts of our staff, we celebrate their dedication and integrity. Regions like Gamma 2 have demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving collection efficiencies exceeding 90%, which is commendable given the circumstances,” Mrs. Amah commended.
The managing director further outlined PHED’s broader goals of enhancing profitability and service delivery across its coverage area, expressing optimism about achieving significant reductions in Aggregate Technical Commercial and Collections Losses (ATC&C) in the coming months.
“Our aim is to transform PHED into a highly profitable entity, even amidst the challenging terrain we operate in. With strategic initiatives and the dedication of our team, we are confident of achieving industry benchmarks and ensuring sustainable growth,” Mrs. Amah affirmed.
Emeh Prayer, one of the recipients of the awards at the event, expressed gratitude on behalf of the awardees and reiterated their commitment to upholding the company’s values and goals.
“I am honored to receive this recognition from PHED. It signifies not just my personal achievement but also the collective effort of our team. We remain committed to delivering excellence and contributing to the company’s success,” Emeh Prayer remarked.
The event concluded with assurances from PHED’s management team that such initiatives would continue to foster a culture of excellence and integrity among its workforce, thereby strengthening the company’s position as a leader in the electricity distribution sector