THE Association of Energy Distribution Companies, ANED, has said that the electricity distribution companies, Discos, will not hesitate to clampdown on erring workers as part of efforts to improve efficiency. Sunday Oduntan, executive director, Research and Advocacy, ANED, said the firms have put workers on their toes with a view to ensure that they desist from acts capable of eroding consumers’ confidence.

Oduntan said ANED, which serves as umbrella body for the 11 Discos in the country, has started going round the firms to investigate corrupt practices among the employees, adding that the firms have been directed to sack workers that are found guilty. He said the development became necessary in order to rid the Discos of bad eggs and further give the sub-sector a new image.

He said there are cases of corrupt workers in many of the firms as evident by the ways and manners they reportedly exploit consumers in the course of connecting their light. He said some workers collect monies to buy equipment such as meters, transformers, poles and others, from customers, without getting the consent of their employers.

“It is a normal thing to blame the problems in the nation’s electricity sector on the three critical value chains namely the generation, transmission and distribution. Of course, each of the segments has its own problems. But what we are saying is that the distribution segment, which comprises 11 firms, should as a matter of fact, solve their own problem first.

“Firstly, the Discos must rid themselves of criminally-minded people to be able to win the confidence of customers. Secondly, they need funds to ensure seamless operation. Thirdly, rules need to be enforced in the firms to ensure discipline, honesty and further provide corporate governance standards.  When these have been provided, the distribution sector will operate optimally,” he said.

– Jan. 12, 2018 @ 11:05 GMT /