The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) says it has begun the adoption of modern innovations to improve service delivery to customers in its four franchise states.

The states include Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers.

The PHED’s managing director, Benson Uwheru, made this known during his meeting with stakeholders in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.

This is contained in a statement issued by the company’s head of corporate communications, Olubukola Ilevbare, in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

According to him, the introduction of innovations and technology was in line with both the company’s midterm and long-term strategic visions.

“So, to achieve this, we need improved partnership, which is an enabler for sustainable relationships while prioritising the demands of customers.

“In as much as it is important to improve relationships with our stakeholders, it is also vital that bills are promptly paid to enable PHED to serve customers better,” he said.

Mr Uwheru said the company had secured an agreement with Ibom Power to jointly replace worn-out power infrastructure, control vegetation at facilities, protect equipment from vandals, and ensure timely clearance of transit faults.

He expressed optimism that the company’s recent engagement with some stakeholders in Eket and Uyo, both in Akwa Ibom, would improve supply to the state.

The statement further said that Mr Uwheru met with the commissioner of power in Rivers,  Henry Ogiri, to discuss critical issues that concern both institutions.

“We are prepared to partner with the Rivers State government in the area of reliable power supply, considering the state consumes the most electricity in our franchise area.

“PHED enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with the previous government, and as such, we want to set up a State Power Sector Working Committee made up of members from the ministry.

“The committee will develop business models to address power supply, electricity architecture, preventive maintenance, supply priority areas, and service concerns, leveraging state-owned power assets,” he added.

The managing director said the committee would meet every month to review power supply and reliability challenges with the intent to propose solutions.

He called on the state government to assist the company in tackling some of its challenges, including entitlement mentality, refusal to pay electricity bills, vandalism of facilities, and assault of staff on duty.

Responding, Mr Ogiri assured the state government’s willingness to partner with PHED to provide a steady electricity supply in the 23 local government areas of the state.

(NAN)