Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has explained that prolonged power outage in Kajola local government, Oyo state, was as a result of a routine maintenance work by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Over the weekend, InsideOyo.com had reported how the Kajola Youths Forum kicked over persistent power outage and outrageous billing of residents in the local government area.
In response to the write-up, IBEDC Management explained that that the outage “was as a result of a routine maintenance work by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) which commenced on the 14th of July, 2020.”
“The notice of the routine maintenance work by TCN was published via all our social media platforms; Facebook @ibedc_ng, twitter ibedc.ng, Instagram@ibedc.ng, or email customer care @ibedc.com and specific WhatsApp platforms for our customers’ awareness and their communities’ leaders phone numbers and contacts – Hon. Ajadi, Messrs. Salami, Abdurrahman, Sikiru and the Community Secretary for their awareness of the situation..
Power supply has since been restored to many of the areas affected by the routine maintenance work. Okeho residents will enjoy power supply very soon.,” part of the statement made available to InsideOyo.com on Sunday, read.
On the issue of faulty transformers, the management said it was part of the many albatrosses inherited from the defunct PHCN but “we are resolved to keep the substations working.”
“Also, while we appreciate communities embarking on self-repairs initiatives, we always advise they patronize certified electrical contractors to forestall aggravating their situation, bearing in mind the challenges associated with the lengthy faults-prone feeder feeding the areas.
“However, our team of engineers are working assiduously daily to keep the areas lighted. Our engagements on these situations attest to this reality.”
On the outrageous billing, IBEDC said Okeho residents are being billed in compliance with the directive by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to cap estimated customers.
“Concerning the outcry over outrageous billing of the residents, we wish to inform our valued customers and the public that in compliance with the directive by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to cap our estimated customers, the areas affected by the planned outage and others in these categories and experiences, are being billed accordingly.
We also have established billing mechanism to correct any verified wrong bill. Several of such cases have been addressed, our customer care offices are available with a 24/7 email – customercare@ibedc.com and 07001239999 phone line for this purpose.
“As a customer-centric organization, we are working frantically with TCN to ensure that power supply is restored to ensure our customers’ satisfaction and improved revenue. The inconveniences are deeply regretted.”
