Using innovation to drive consumer satisfaction, marketing edge

The level of patronage enjoyed by any organisation determines its success in the market. This is why the customer is usually regarded as the king in the market place. Many companies know this, which is why they go the extra mile to provide quality services for their target audience in order to have cutting edge advantage over their competitors.

With the unbundling in the power sector, many operators in that sector have been coming up with innovative ideas to be able to better serve its customers. One of such efforts was recently launched with the unveiling of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure by the Ikeja Electric with the aim of enhancing efficient energy usage and transparent billing in real time.

Proving insight, the Chief Executive Officer Ikeja Electric, Mr. Abiodun Ajifowobaje said the roll out represents a remarkable step in the company’s quest for redefining service delivery in the sector. “This development resonates with our new spirit, new drive and new energy identity, as we strive to create value for our customers”.

He maintained that the new effort is geared principally towards consumers having value for their money, with the first set of the smart meters expected to be rolled out in the first week of June.

“Ikeja Electric’s Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) is a state-of-the-art technology that enables utilities to read, disconnect and connect meters remotely and to detect individual customer outages quickly using a wireless communications network. The Metering project will replace today’s electric meters with “next generation” electronic meter technology that improves customer service and enables customers to proactively manage their energy use and save money by participating in new programs with time differentiated rates and demand response options. “

According to Ajifowobaje, the scope of the Metering Project is to deploy approximately 276,084 electric meters for Ikeja Electric’s residential, commercial and industrial customers which will be implemented in phases across the network. “The roll out plan will be carried out in two phases. The first phase which is the pilot phase will involve the installation of about 2,000 smart meters in already mapped out areas in all the Business Units of the Company while the second phase will commence thereafter.”

Apart from more frequently and accurate consumption information, he said the advanced metering system is capable of collecting a variety of other data such as power outage, restoration alerts and meter tampering data to detect theft of energy.

The CEO also disclosed that the Company chose to introduce smart meters because of its immense benefits.

Ajifowobaje appealed to all its customers to support the metering project to ensure hitch-free deployment. Though he noted that the success rate of the pilot scheme would determine the next phase of the distribution of the smart meters, he was however optimistic that the success rate would encourage quick movement into the next phase.
Speaking on the company’s focus on ensuring the best possible customer experience within Ikeja Electric network, Head, Customer Care, Ikeja Electric, Debola Ajibade said the company had continued to record promising milestones in the resolution of issues and queries raised by customers.