Friday 8 March 2024

KADUNA ELECTRIC NEWSLETTER MARCH 1ST EDITION

 Himalaya Academy Students Gain Insightful Experience at Kaduna Electric Headquarters

By Faisal Babadiya

In a bid to enhance educational experiences, pupils from Himalaya Academy embarked on an educational excursion to the Kaduna Electric Headquarters in Kaduna.

The purpose of the visit was to provide students with a practical understanding of Kaduna Electric's facilities and operations.

Hosted by the Corporate Communications and Human Resources departments, the students and teachers were warmly welcomed at the company's canteen.

Mal Abdulazeez Dahiru, the principal of Himalaya Academy, emphasized that the primary goal of the visit was to enlighten the students about the company's operations, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.

During the excursion, the students received lectures on safety measures and were guided through the call center and control room, offering them a firsthand experience of the company's functioning.

Mal. Abdulazeez encouraged the pupils to actively engage and extract valuable insights from their visit.

Expressing gratitude, the students and teachers conveyed their appreciation to Kaduna Electric for providing them with this enriching opportunity.

The excursion not only broadened their understanding of the industry but also contributed to a memorable and educational experience for all participants.


Kaduna Electric Trains Sales Representatives in Sokoto Region
By Mohammed Tambuwal

Kaduna Electric recently conducted a comprehensive one-day training program for its sales representatives hailing from various Area Offices across the Sokoto region. Hosted at the Umar Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic Sokoto,

The training aimed to enhance the proficiency of staff in their respective roles within the company.


The session covered a range of crucial topics including NERC Regulations, Industry Knowledge, NERC Customer Service Standards of Performance for distribution companies (2007), and job-specific responsibilities.

The Regional Chief, Sokoto Mr. Sunday.O Yahaya, who led the training session said, the essence of the training is to increase the knowledge of the staff in carrying out their duties according to the company policies.

“The training is  to broaden the participants knowledge to know the specific types of complaints timelines as well as handling procedures to be able to educate the customer better, to avoid cases going to the NERC forum, to avoid undue litigation in courts of law as well to share experiences on how we can do this job better, he said.”

Engineer Tijjani Aliyu, the Regional Manager of Sokoto Regional Office, urged all sales representatives to apply the insights gained during the training in their day-to-day interactions. He emphasized that ongoing training initiatives are essential for nurturing a workforce that operates within the framework of company policies and upholds customer rights.

According to him, “the training is key as the sales representatives knows their right as well customers right. The training is a continues process to train and retraining staff aimed at moving the company to greater heights and equipped the staff on how to do their job according to the company’s rules

“I enjoin all the participants to be honest and good ambassadors of the company’s always to promote good corporate image is necessary

MEET THE STAFF SERIES

 

We are Focusing on Increasing Customers Response Rate….Aminu Umar

 

CCD: Can you briefly tell us about your self?

AMINU UMAR, Manager Legislative
AU: My name is Aminu Umar, I'm from Kauru local Govt Area of Kaduna state, I had my primary and secondary school both in KAURU. I proceeded to Kaduna state University where I obtained my Bsc in Economics and MBA. I am happily married with children.

CCD:  What is it to be supervising Service Centre, can you share with us?

AU: Supervision of a Service Center is as equally as supervising a company which requires sacrifices, logics and strategies in order to provide a turnover that's revenue and monitoring all the affairs of both staff and the  customers prepaid and POSTPAID, and ensure the  commercial and technical loses are reduced.

CCD:  What do you consider as the most challenging part of supervising people and managing customers?

AU: Yes Managing human beings is one of the complex thing, because of our individual differences, Sometimes you will be seen as somebody who always make things hard and unfavorable, which is not so. It's all about as a supervisor, you are to make sure things are done properly and according to the Company's policies and regulations.

Interns of Customers, Ha! We are some times being seen as wicked because of our rigidity on the Company's policies, such challenges from the customers include non payment of current charges, illegal connections and meter tampering. The truth of the matter, we have zero tolerance on such.

CCD:  What is your total customers population and their classification?

AU:  My total Customers are as follows
Post paid: 671
Prepaid: 2,153
Total: 2,824

CCD:  How do you ensure fairness among your subordinates?

AU: Yes. I always ensure that I'm being fair to everyone, because, the hard working ones are always celebrated and rewarded in order to provide competition among them in terms of performance.

CCD:  What do you consider as your major achievement since you assume duty in the Service Center?

AU: My major achievement since I assumed as a Manager are numerous but few will be mentioned
*We have raised the our collection from post paid from 6.7 to 8.7 which we maintained

* We have increased our customer data base with morethan100 customers through separations. Which is ongoing

* Our response Efficiency has been increased by 25%

CCD: Any appeal or suggestion to the Management/staff?

AU: Yes! My appeal goes to Management first. The welfare of the staff should be taken serious, which will definitely boost our moral and confidence.
   Secondly the Management  should provide working tools and enabling working environment for the stuff to feel confidence within themselves in their working places

My appeal to the staff, we have to take ownership of this business, so that the company can be able to settle it's monthly Obligations, and provide our needs.

 

 

 

 

Friday 23 February 2024

KADUNA ELECTRIC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2ND EDITION

Kaduna Electric MD Warns Staff to Buckle Up on Revenue Collection

 

The Managing Director/CEO of Kaduna Electric, Dr Umar Abubakar Hashidu, has read the riot act to staff of the company under Sokoto Regional office to buckle up and multiply revenue for the company to remain in business.

Dr. Umar frowned at the current revenue of the Regional office that is in the range of N300 million, which is far less than a smaller, less cosmopolitan state like Taraba, that generates about N600 million.

Elaborating on the way forward at the maiden meeting with staff of the Sokoto Regional office of the company, Dr Umar affirmed that the target revenue set for the company is achievable, if the staff turn a new leaf, buckle up and shun corrupt practices.

Armed with a track record of turning around the fortunes of Yola Electricity Distribution Company, Dr Umar stated that, with the support and cooperation of every member of staff, the task of recording such achievement in Kaduna Electric is attainable.


Recalling that Kaduna Electric is the only company still under administration, he further stated that its current NBET, MO invoices and other charges stands at about N11bn but sadly boasts of just about N3bn in collection.

Hr said Kaduna Electric is still paying the Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilization 2014/2015 loan with interest. Same as the National Mass Metering Programme loan; the Performance Improvement Plan and SLA project between the company and TCN.

Dr Umar pointed out that the new Electricity Act signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has decentralized the generation and distribution of electricity and gives autonomy to states to play a greater role in the sector.

 

 

Zamfara Region Staff Urged to Change Mindset for Improved Efficiency.

The Staff of Kaduna Electric at Zamfara Regional Office have been advised to change their mindset for the success of the organization.

This call was made by the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Umar Abubakar Hashidu during an interactive session with Staff in Zamfara Regional Office in Gusau on Tuesday.

The MD/CEO emphasized the importance of embracing change, encouraging individuals to change their thinking and mindset in order to facilitate change within the organization. He noted that team work is an important factor to the success of any organization, hence called on the staff to apply their knowledge collectively in order to ensure they deliver on the organization’s vision, create a competitive advantage and achieve its business objective.

 “The energy, passion, dedication, and innovation that employees bring to the organization can be seen in the effort they put into their work and the empowerment they feel to make a positive impact on the company. Acquire the skills needed to be adaptable to change and proactively look for new solutions to eliminate challenges and achieve goals”.  He added.

Continuing, he said “Successful outcomes lead to successful results and ensuring a strong return on investment for the business and positioning the company for long-term success and growth. To improve overall performance, focus on increasing revenue, reducing operating costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction and workforce productivity”

On customer engagement, he explained that staff need to develop a strong relationship between the company and the consumer that extends beyond just the sale of electricity. He said it involves a deliberate and steady effort by the company to add value in every interaction with the customer which would ultimately lead to increased loyalty.

“A customer engagement strategy can be compared to a feedback loop, where each interaction not only builds loyalty but also provides valuable insights that can benefit the business in the long run. Without these insights, the company may miss out on potential opportunities”

The Managing Director reiterated that the organization would continue to advocate for customer engagement through different means of communication for qualitative service delivery. He called on customers to help the organization by paying their electricity bills.

 

“We Must Take Ownership of Our Work In Order to Turnaround Kaduna Electric”


The Managing Director/CEO Kaduna Electric, Dr Umar Abubakar Hashidu, has charged staff of Kebbi Regional Office of the company to take ownership of their work in order to enhance the success of the company

He made the call during an interactive session with the staff in Kebbi Regional Office on Thursday.

At the session that lasted more than three hours, Dr Umar emphasized the importance of embracing change and pointed out non-ownership attitude of the staff which is adversely affecting the company from meeting it targets and other market obligations.

Dr Umar stated that, with the support and cooperation of every member of staff, the target revenue of N6bn set for Kaduna Electric is achievable, if the staff turn a new leaf.

The MD/CEO also complained bitterly about the rating of Kaduna Electric during the last NESI stakeholders meeting in Lagos, where Kaduna Electric was rated the last in terms of collection efficiency, ATC&C losses and meteing indices.

He also informed the staff that the company is to refund customers to the tune of N1.145bn as directed by the NERC for violation of the capping order.

“He however said, in return, the company must collect 100% of our capped estimated bill and outstanding debt. We are going to publish on newspapers and website for people to see and, any body that didn’t pay us doesn’t deserve our services.

“Currently, we are operating at a loss. The company would only expand its operations and develop its workforce when there is profit,” he stated.

The Managing Director reiterated that integrity is key and, therefore, every staff of the company must be a person of integrity in order to move the company to greater heights, and become one of the exemplary discos in Nigeria.

Friday 16 February 2024

MEET THE STAFF SERIES

 

As Custodians of the Company’s Asset We Advice Against Over or Under Stocking… Bashar Sabo

 

CCD: Can you briefly tell us about your self?

BS: My name is Bashar Sabo, I attended LEA Primary School, Tudun wada, Kaduna; Government Day secondary School, Kurmin Mashi (NDA) Kaduna and Hannat College respectively. I attended Staff training school kakuri where I obtained certificate in supply Assistance 111 and certificate in store administration respectively, I graduated from Kano state polytechnic department of Purchasing and supply, I moved to Bayero University Kano where I obtained PGD in Accounting and finance, I am currently a chartered Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN).

BASHAR SABO, Store Officer
CCD:  When did you join the service of Kaduna electric, and what have you been doing ever since?

BS: I joined Kaduna electric on 1st September 2015 as a stores officer and I am still in store.

CCD: As a store officer, what does you daily routine looks like?

BS: My daily routine include-

To  Store, Control and issue all tools, equipment and related materials and services to ensure continuation of the operation of the Company. Bearing in mind the need for proper authorization and strict clerical control of all stock.

To check all the deliveries made to stores, to check the documentation (delivery note) and also inform the asset Unit of all goods received.

To ensure adequate health and safety precautions are taken in relation to whole stores operation.

To receive, store, control and document all scrap and excess returned to the store.

CCD:  In what way can we say a store officer adds valve to the operations

of the Company?

BS: Almost 85% of the Company assets are kept in stores which reflect in the Company's balance sheet as a stock while a store officer is responsible for receiving, recording, inspecting, arranging and storing all kinds of materials needed in the whole company for maintenance, new project, servicing until when required by the users department or company's customers. For that, the store officer contribute directly to profitability and be concern with lead time, storage cost, acquisition cost material handling etc, for that store officer is considered as a contributor towards profit earning of the Company.

CCD: At times material are requested from the store only to be told that the materials are unavailable, why are we having such disconnect between the store and the user departments?

BS: Stores are the custodian of the materials, the moment materials reach re-order level, the store officer use to notify the authority for order therefore unavailability of materials occurs as a result of unforeseen circumstances.

CCD: As member of the Company's supply chain management, what do you think need to be done to ensure smooth operations?

BS: We should avoid situations where there could be excessive investment on materials leading to capital being tied down, over stocking and under stocking materials and stock out problem.

Enhancing Quality control of goods and services into the stores and the company.

To reduce number of scraps, waste, surplus, obsolescent, obsolete and damage materials and equipment in the company e.t.c.

To give effective training and development of store personal e.t.c

CCD: Any appeal or suggestion to the Management/staff?

BS: The management should be committed on all staff’s remuneration and welfarism to enable smooth operation

While Staffs remain committed with their duties as per condition of service.

 

 

 

Friday 9 February 2024

KADUNA ELECTRIC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 1ST EDITION

  

COO Charges RPU to Go Out and Disconnect erring Customers with a Smiling Face.

 

The Chief Operating Officer (COO), Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed, has charged the Revenue Protection Unit (RPU) to put in more efforts to improve on their performance company-wide. He also assured them of the full support of Management in achieving their objectives.

He urged them to be fair and firm when dealing with customers and disconnect all those who have defaulted with a smile on their faces without giving room for compromise.

He made this known during a brief interaction with the head office team members of the unit led by the Head of Unit, Engr. Umar Adamu Gumel.

The COO reiterated the critical role of RPU in the operations of Kaduna Electric especially in the light of the liquidity challenges the company is facing. He emphasized that the unit shall be provided with all the tools it needs to carry out its duties effectively.

While lamenting the not too satisfactory figures so far realized, he tasked the team to do more to improve the figures. He charged them to make integrity their watch word while out there on the field as they shall face temptation from acme unscrupulous customers to compromise their work.

He assured them that it is indeed a new dawn at Kaduna Electric and that all hard-working staff shall be duly recognized and rewarded in order to boost morale and maintain peak performance.

 

Kebbi East Area Office held Monthly Performance Review and Rewards

 

The management of Kebbi East Area Office has held monthly performance review and rewards to most performing staff

While giving his opening remark the Area Manager Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi appreciated the efforts of the general staff of the Area Office for the outstanding performance delivered.

He further charged them to maintain the tempo, so that every time the team delive
red a good performance we will come here to celebrate and reward the performing ones.

Kebbi East Area Office is attaining a remarkable collection efficiency and we will continue to work hard and become one of the best performing Area Office in Kaduna Electric, I am certain with the spirit of team work we can do better. He added

In his contribution the Regional Chief Mr. Sunday Yahaya whom joined the performance review via zoom, commended the efforts of the Area Manager and his team for putting things together and urged them to keep on doing the good work.

He however expects more performance from the Area Office in the forthcoming months as that will increase the overall collection efficiency of Kebbi Regional Office.