Epileptic power distribution by IBDEC: An anomaly

When the news got to the Nigerian public that Power Holding Company of Nigeria has been scrapped and therefore would no more have the monopoly of electrical power distribution, Nigerian consumers of electricity breathed sigh of relief. In the first place, they thought that power supply would now be easily available to many households. Also, some believe that some of the perennial problems usually associated with power distribution would become a thing of the past. However, the aspiration and hope of many consumers were soon dashed due to the abysmal performance of these companies after their take off; for example, some of these new distribution companies are presently performing far below expectation, because they obviously are not able to meet the yearnings and expectations of their customers.

Apart from the power that is always epileptic, whose fault may not be totally theirs, but the aspect of distribution, which is their main business focus, is nothing to write home about. This development later made many to ponder on whether these companies are really doing business or they are just paying lip service, because the ways and manners they carry out their business leave so much to be desired. There is no doubt about it, some of these companies cannot break even in their business strategy nor have appreciable returns on their investments if they continue in this business trend.

For example, the Ibadan Power Distribution Company that serves Kwara and a few other states are not performing up to many consumers' expectations. In the area of power distribution, the company has little or no power to distribute, because many of their consumers in their area of jurisdiction are with little or no power supply during 24 hours in a day. Most of the time when desperate customers go to them for various complaints, the response is not usually encouraging, because they either tell you to wait or ask you to buy one thing or the other before light in such area can be restored. It is not an exaggeration to infer that quite a number of communities within Ilorin metropolis are having problems with their transformers; some of them need total replacement.

For example, a community within Osere village, at the Sawmill area of Ilorin, has been without electricity since 15th December 2014, because the transformer serving over 300 homes, in that area had completely broken down after incessant unsuccessful repairs. This community went to the Headquarters of the distribution company at Ibadan to intimate them about their ordeal, however, when they got there, they were disappointed because they were not given the desired attention as they were not allowed to see the officer in charge, rather they were re-directed to Baboko Office in Ilorin for possible assistance. It is rather unfortunate that the Engineers at Baboko could not proffer any solution that could help restore light to their domain. The quicker alternative suggested to the community concerned is for them to contribute money to buy their own transformer.

With the above scenario, one should quickly ask the difference between the defunct PHCN and the new Power Distribution Company. To me, the latter could be adjudged to be better in terms of services and inter personal relationship with customers.

If these people are actually doing business, they will strive to engage in operations that would bring profit to their companies. One can easily guess the colossal loss in revenue generation that have accrued for the past four months for their failure to generate and distribute power for over 300 consumer homes at Osere Community. A serious minded business concern should endeavour always, to provide goods and services that would fulfil to certain extent, the yearnings and expectations of their customers and at the same time generate revenues that would bring profit to the company they served. To many keen observers, it seems that Ibadan Power Distribution Company is not interested in profitability or customers' satisfaction.

*Adeyinka writes from Ilorin 08033149595

#opinion