MEEET THE STAFF SERIES

SERVING UNMETERD CUSTOMERS REMAINS OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE

CCD: Tell us about yourself?

MLU: I am Muhammad Lawal Umar, from Keana LGA in Nasarawa State, an innovative and dynamic Power Electrical Engineer. At present, I head the Metering Department of Gusau Area Office. I have over 16 years experience in the power sector (both in Transmission and Distribution) and a Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE).  I was opportune to attend National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) and was in the Control Room, PC&M section, Power System Planning managing several aspects of the company.

CCD: How long have you been with Kaduna Electric?

MLU: I joined the defunct NEPA, which later became PHCN in 2001 after completing my diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from Kaduna polytechnic. And I am still with the company now that it has been privatized. I am able to achieve this with a lot of coordinated planning and being on my toes.

CCD: You are in charge of the metering unit in Gusau, tell us what your responsibilities are.

MLU: My primary tasks are planning, organizing, directing and supervising energy metering activities within Gusau.

I am involved in supervising and reviewing the work of staff involved in the installation, maintenance, testing and operation of electric metering equipment and load management devices.

I also analyze and monitor Meter Data Management (MDM) reports to reduce metering losses and/or errors as well as the resolution with meter communications failures. 

I oversee the design, installation and maintenance of location metering on large customer loads to maintain the highest level of accuracy, including review of instrument transformer installation, records, and testing.

Managing the integration and maintenance of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) metering equipment and ensuring system functionality and integrity are part of what I do. 

More so, I review system status data and recommend necessary change(s), supervise metering system evaluations, review and analyze test reports and implement initiatives to address technical issues and improve processes. 

Other roles I carry out include: electing and managing the implementation of metering equipment vendor software systems, tools and ensuring effective training of employees; ensuring accurate testing and record keeping for electric meters, including accurate calibration of testing instruments.

CCD: Some people confuse the role of the Metering Department with that of the Technical Department, could you clarify this?

MLU: The Metering Department is different from the Technical Department in the sense that the Metering Department solely carries out metering activities, which include installation maintenance, monitoring and reading of all meters. The technical department on the other hand deals with power network planning, installation and maintenance of the power line and its equipment.

CCD: Given the fact you have gathered some experience since the days of erstwhile NEPA, what would you advise the new management to do regarding revenue generation?

MLU: The management can increase revenue by aligning four critical areas viz: strategy, structure, people and processes. In doing so, they will have to set specific, measurable objectives and tactics across key areas in order to optimize revenue. Another strategy will be to pursue a cost reflective tariff.

 There should also be a comprehensive plan for managing theft and enforcing accountability and by focusing on four measures earlier mentioned.

They should ensure that strict laws to address electricity theft are enacted; there is need for increased customer awareness.

CCD: In your opinion, do you think that the deployment of more Pre-Paid Meters will address the issue of low revenue generation?

MLU: If customers are provided with adequate smart prepaid meters it will go a long way in reducing energy losses and lead to increased revenue generation.

CCD: What would you consider the most challenging part of manning this unit?

MLU: I would say it is in the handling of unmetered customers and convincing them to pay their bill promptly.  

CCD: You have been in this industry for over 16years, what would you consider your greatest contribution to this organization?

MLU: I would say that my flair for problem solving and data analysis has led to the reduction in energy theft; this I have achieved by organizing seminars (at Area Office Level) to educate Feeder Supervisors and Sales Representatives on how to identify meter by-pass and the consequences of energy theft. 

I have also enlightened them on how to educate their customers on need to take energy management seriously.

CCD: If you were to give your colleagues some tips on how to succeed professionally, what would it be?

MLU: My advice to my colleagues is to be more proactive on their day-to-day activities as this will go a long way in reducing some of the losses we incur.

They should stop all acts of indiscipline and corruption or anything capable of tarnishing the image of this great company. They must also remember that there are rules and regulations guiding the execution of any job, which must be strictly adhered to.