Powerful Media Engagement: YEDC Hosts 30 Journalists in Yola

Powerful Media Engagement: YEDC Hosts 30 Journalists in Yola

The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, customer satisfaction, and electrical safety through an impactful one-day media stakeholders’ engagement in Yola, Adamawa State.

The event, held at the YEDC Board Room, brought together over 30 journalists from various media organizations. The gathering provided a platform for discussing the company’s operations, challenges, and improvements in service delivery.

Participants engaged in interactive sessions, paper presentations, and a guided tour of an injection substation, offering firsthand exposure to YEDC’s infrastructure and operational strategies.

YEDC’s Head of Regulatory and Compliance, Masoud Salisu Abdulkadir, presented a comprehensive overview of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). He explained the electricity value chain, from generation and transmission to distribution, emphasizing the critical roles each segment plays in ensuring a stable power supply.

“Our vision is to be the recognized performance leader of the Nigerian electricity industry, translating into maximum benefits for all stakeholders,” he stated.

YEDC operates across Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, and Yobe states, covering over 145,000 square kilometers. The company, incorporated in 2005, has undergone significant transformations, especially following its acquisition by Quest Electricity Nigeria Limited in 2022.

Masoud Salisu delivered an insightful presentation titled “Nigerian Electricity Distribution Industry and Understanding the Value Chain.” He highlighted key achievements and ongoing challenges within the electricity distribution sector, emphasizing the role of media in bridging the knowledge gap for the public.

He called on journalists to collaborate with YEDC to raise awareness about power distribution challenges and educate customers on responsible electricity usage.

Speaking on customer service, Nafisa Ahmed Hamid, YEDC’s Head of Customer Care, assured attendees of the company’s unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

“Our goal is to deliver exceptional service to our customers. We have established multiple channels for lodging complaints and resolving concerns efficiently,” she stated.

She further explained that in addition to physical customer care offices, YEDC has introduced digital complaint platforms, making it easier for customers to reach out and get swift solutions to their concerns.

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Challenges in Electricity Distribution and Efforts to Improve Service Delivery

The Nigerian electricity sector faces a variety of challenges, including outdated infrastructure, energy theft, and inadequate funding. YEDC, in response, has focused on upgrading transformers, substations, and distribution lines to improve efficiency.

To ensure reliable electricity supply, the company adheres to the revised rate design mandated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), aligning tariffs with the quality of service experienced by customers.

Haruna Yaya Adamu, the company’s Health, Safety, and Environment Officer, delivered a compelling speech on electrical safety. He urged the public to take necessary precautions when handling electrical appliances and installations.

“Electrical failures often lead to fire outbreaks. The best way to prevent these disasters is by adhering to safety measures,” he warned.

Haruna advised residents to always engage certified electricians for wiring projects, regularly inspect their electrical systems, and avoid overloading circuits. He also emphasized the importance of using fire extinguishers and reporting potential electrical hazards to prevent avoidable tragedies.

As part of the engagement, YEDC organized a site visit to an injection substation. Eng. Bulus Abegye and other senior officials led the tour, providing journalists with deeper insight into the company’s service delivery mechanisms.

The visit showcased YEDC’s investment in infrastructure and its ongoing efforts to improve power distribution across Adamawa State.

Transitioning to a Multi-Tier Electricity Market

Following recent amendments to the Electricity Act in 2023 and 2024, YEDC is adapting to new market structures that encourage state-level electricity markets. This shift is expected to reduce reliance on the national grid and attract investments in alternative power sources.

Key initiatives under this transition include:

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• Expanding the distribution network to unserved and underserved areas.
• Partnering with investors to develop embedded generation and mini-grid systems.
• Aligning assets with state electricity markets to improve service delivery.
• Engaging stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of market reforms.

The YEDC media stakeholders’ engagement demonstrated the company’s proactive approach to fostering transparency and collaboration. By bringing journalists closer to its operations, YEDC aims to build public trust, dispel misinformation, and create a more informed customer base.

With continued media collaboration, YEDC hopes to enhance public understanding of electricity distribution, improve service delivery, and ensure safer energy consumption practices for residents of Yola and beyond.