PHEDC blames blackout in Bayelsa on lack of industries

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), yesterday, disclosed that the lack of industries in Bayelsa State, was the reason for the frequent blackouts in most parts of the state.

PHEDC’s Corporate Communications Manager, Jonah Iboma, made the disclosure during a media chat in Yenagoa on the company’s “new tariff and new possibilities” under its Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO).

He explained that the governments of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River, had in 2011 incorporated a joint venture company known as Four-Power, to distribute electricity in their areas, as part of measures to guarantee regular supply of power.

The four states have eight percent stake in PHED, which is entitled to 6.5 percent (about 250 mega watts) of the total energy released from the National Control Centre, located in Osogbo, Osun State.

However, he restated that the company’s primary concern was profit making, stressing that industrialised areas were more likely to pay electricity bills, unlike Bayelsa which does not have industries.

Iboma disclosed that the company would soon begin the distribution and installations of over 200,000 meters to consumers across its operational areas.

He said the purpose of the new tariff was to set a tariff that takes into consideration, the customer’s needs, stating that with the new tariff, the hitherto thorny issue of fixed charge of N700 has been removed.

Iboma added that the consumer would henceforth enjoy energy efficiency and would only pay for power consumed adding that the company’s accountability process has also been reviewed for better distribution of resources.

He debunked insinuations that the PHED does not have the capacity for effective distribution of energy, saying the firm has all it takes to remain in business.

“We have renewed our commitment to pursue an aggressive path to reduce energy losses, metering, customer enumeration, improved customer service and embedded generation,” he said.

While urging the people to pay their bills promptly, he assured that “payment of bills will put us in a position to render more services to consumers in the state. So, we are appealing to the government, individuals and commercial ventures to co-operate with us.” he added.