Our Efforts in Making Vandalization of Power Installations Unattractive Paying off – EEDC

By Praise Chinecherem

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has restated its commitment in tackling incidences of vandalism of its electrical facilities across the South-East region.

The Chief Technical Officer, EEDC, Engr. Vincent Ekwekwu stated this in Ogidi, Anambra State while flagging off the mobile Meter Asset Provider (MAP) metering targeted at ensuring customers access prepaid meters within 48 hours.

He said vandalization of the firm’s assets is gradually turning unattractive and unprofitable following various measures taken to curb the menace, including reduction of copper content and length of the cables.

He said, “The vandals target the cables and transformer oil, particularly the cables’ copper make-up which they melt and use for jewelries. 

“What we’ve done is to reduce the cables’ copper content to make it unattractive, as well as reduce the cable length by mounting the transformer directly on the poles. 

“We’re also introducing aluminum cables in some transformers which is almost useless to these vandals. 

“Our engagement with local vigilante, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies in assisting us watch over the assets is also yielding positive results.

“Besides, we need more government’s intervention, especially in the area of regulation. Since these items are sold in the open markets, if there’s a regulation, it becomes almost impossible to dispose them easily.”

Describing the MAP metering as highly advantageous, Ekwekwu urged customers in the state to take advantage of the opportunity to get metered, assuring periodic reimbursement with cost value of meter through energy.

“We call it mobile because of reduction in time frame it takes to install meter after payment within 48hours. The whole essence is to increase patronage and close metering gap in the state.

“With this arrangement, era of estimated and post-paid is gone. Apart from the smart prepaid meters being recharged online, you can now regulate your supply and manage your energy,” he added.