Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
Customers of one of the leading energy firms in Nigeria, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc, have been urged to always report any electrical fault to the organisation promptly to avert avoidable disasters.
This appeal was made by the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company, Engr. John Ayodele, in a statement issued on Thursday to newsmen.
Energy consumers and the general public within the company’s coverage area were also urged to be very cautious around electrical installations as the rainy season begins to gather momentum.
Business Post reports that IBEDC, one of 11 electric distribution companies privatized in 2013, covers the largest franchise area in Nigeria, as well as parts of Niger, serving over 1.7 million customers.
The Disco, which has its corporate headquarters in Ibadan, supplies electricity to residents of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara and parts of Niger, Ekiti and Kogi States.
In the statement, Mr Ayodele stated that the rainy seasons often witness the highest levels of incidents within the electricity distribution sector because of heavy rainfall, windstorms, and floods.
He, therefore, urged members of the public to be on their guards to avoid falling victims of any accident that could easily occur during the rains.
Speaking on the need to observe all safety regulations especially during the rainy season, Engr. Ayodele said that IBEDC was concerned about the safety of its customers and staff, hence, the need for more sensitization and education now.
He noted that, “There is need to create awareness on safety measures during the rainy season because of the hazards that electricity and water can cause.”
The energy expert urged the company’s customers to “avoid conditions that can compromise your safety around electricity, such as using wet electrical appliances or handling them with wet hands; stepping in puddles of water that could potentially be charged.”
“You should also guard against exposed electrical wires, and ensure your houses are well earthed,” he further advised.
Furthermore, Engr. Ayodele called on customers within IBEDC’s network to stay clear of snapped power wires and cables, sagging lines and fallen poles.
He said if there was any such incident, customers should call the Customer Care on 0700-123 9999 or report through the company’s social media handles immediately while maintaining a safe distance from the point of the accident.
He warned against the practice of conducting commercial activities under power lines and cables, noting that the cables could easily snap due to strong winds.
He further advised customers not to engage quack electricians to wire their houses or carry out repairs as errors and deviation from sound technical practice and poor workmanship may lead to fires, loss of properties and even loss of life in some cases.
