- PHED Unveils new business structure.
- The company hopes the new structure will improve service delivery and revenue collection.
- MD appeals for labour support.
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) Plc has unveiled a new business structure. The utility company’s new structure will improve service delivery in its franchise area. The new regional structure will replace the current zonal structure. The Managing Director of PHED, Dr Henry Ajagbawa, disclosed this at a meeting in Port Harcourt, River State, with executives of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and the National Union of Electricity Employee (NUEE).
Ajagbawa noted that the new structure aims to improve performance and monitor the company’s operations at product levels. He listed the three product categories as: “Maximum demand (MD), non-maximum demand post-paid customers (PP), and pre-paid metered customers (PPM).” According to him, the model will comprise a six-region structure, three product managers and commercial officers supported by several linesmen. He said: “The challenges of the company, as it is industry-wide, but with peculiar scenarios in the PHED, ranging from inability to collect revenue from a large percentage of our customers, restiveness, staff assault, deductions from source by authorities, inability to meet contractual agreements, paying TCN for energy not sold to a segment of consumers among others.”
Ajagbawa asked for support and understanding from labour leaders as the company implements the new business model. He added that although current marketers and feeder managers may not have active roles as before, additional lines workers would be engaged to bridge operational gaps. He asked that the union leaders help to sensitize members on the company’s objectives so that the new model can succeed.
The labour leaders commended the new business structures proposing that marketers and feeder managers be given the first opportunity to apply for and train for the linesmen positions.