YEDC tackles vandalism, power supply challenges and revenue losses
The MD/CEO of Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), Engr. Abdulrahman Isa, has revealed that the company recently recorded no fewer than 37 cases of vandalism across its franchise areas, with Yobe region suffering the highest number—20 cases.
He further stated, “So far, we have prosecuted 12 of these cases, with the culprits serving jail terms.”
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The MD further noted that such incidents disrupt service delivery and cause significant financial losses, affecting YEDC ability to meet its obligations. This engagement took place during a sensitization engagement at the Fombina Emirate Council in Adamawa State, where he led a team of senior management to engage with stakeholders.
Addressing questions on the ongoing power supply challenges, Engr. Isa discussed the rising costs associated with generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity. He stated “For instance, delivering 1 kWh of power to Adamawa costs ₦214, but when the government was subsidizing, the highest tariff we collected was only ₦50 to ₦56.
However, as of April, the government withdrew the electricity subsidy. Today in areas where we have good infrastructure and can provide a minimum of 20 hours of service per day—now classified as Band A feeders—tariffs have risen from ₦50-₦56 to over ₦214. Other bands, however, still enjoy subsidies.” He explained.
The YEDC boss also addressed the economic challenges impacting the power sector, noting that purchasing power has dropped by over 30%, leaving consumers heavily burdened.
“We are caught in the middle.” He mentioned. We must meet our obligation to purchase and distribute energy while covering our operational costs, despite facing the same economic pressures as everyone else,” he noted
Engr. Isa explained that the recent reduction in power supply is due to YEDC’s inability to collect sufficient revenue from end users to pay the generating companies, which limits the supply available for distribution to customers.
Walin Adamawa, Alhaji Aminu Abdulkadir Mbamba, who represented the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, empathized with YEDC, acknowledging the challenging business environment the company operates in.
“I sympathize with you as investors; unfortunately, the government didn’t properly plan the transition from subsidy to non-subsidy. Now they have left captains of the industry and investors to tackle this head-on to reduce losses.” he stated.
Walin Adamawa however advised YEDC to invest in staff training, particularly for marketers who interact with customers, as many people in the region have had unfavorable experiences with the company’s personnel.
He emphasized the importance of diplomacy, dialogue, persuasion, and conflict management skills in enhancing customer relations and maximizing business potential. The engagement ended on a positive note, with the council members requesting more such meetings to enlighten end users about YEDC’s services and developments in the power sector.
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