MEET THE STAFF SERIES

Disconnection Must Follow Process Flow to Avoid Litigation-Usman Ahmed.

  

CCD: TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?  
UA: My Name is Usman Ahmed, I was born in Kaduna State. I graduated from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 2014. During the course of my study, I undergone a six month industrial attachment with MBS Engineering LTD, Abuja where I developed an insight in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Services design, Solar system design and data analysis. I did my compulsory one year National Youth Service assignment with Multisystem Consultants in Kano State, were I was engaged and trained more on Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Services design (MEP), Project management, Site Inspection and Complex data analysis. 

CCD: WHEN DID YOU JOIN THE SERVICE OF THE COMPANY?

UA: I join the Service of Kaduna Electric on the 1^ST September, 2015 after successful passing the series of the recruitment Processes (Aptitude test, Interview and Medical). I joined as a Technical Assistant in the Network Planning Unit, Engineering and Technical Service Department. I was later redeployed to the Disconnection Unit.

CCD: WHAT ARE YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES?

UA: As an analytical and coordination Officer in disconnection Unit and Currently on Special task force at Unguwan Rimi Feeder, my Primary responsibilities are as follows.

Monitoring and tracking of Payments, Energy billed and outstanding bills, and minimization of ATC&C losses.

Collate and interpret data, analyzing results from varied sources, using statistical techniques and providing ongoing reports, draw inference and present observations that will guide business decision.

Improved Operational Effectiveness of revenue collection and disconnection activities.

CCD: AS A DISCONNECTION OFFICER, HOW DO YOU ENSURE FAIRNESS WHEN IT COMES TO DISCONNECTION AND TRACKING OF OUTSTANDING BILLS?

UA: Well, it’s simple and clear when it comes to disconnection which can be stated as follows.

Firstly, Bill distribution to customer with a notice of three to five days giving to the customer to settle his payments in the Office.

Secondly, during disconnection, request for payment receipt from the customer, if he was unable to settle his bills, then you disconnect him immediately.

While with regards to Outstanding bills, you advice a customer to make sure he settles at least 50% of his outstanding on monthly basis until he clears all his outstanding, if not he can be disconnected even after settling his energy charged for the month.

CCD: WHAT ARE THE DIFFICULT PART OF BEING A DISCONNECTION OFFICER?

UA: Well, I don’t think there is anything so difficult in carrying out disconnection activities when ‘’Disconnection Process Flow’’ is being followed except customers frustration in some difficult environments, but through proper planning and technical expertise via customers relation, I think frustration will always be overcome.

CCD: WHAT DID YOU CONSIDER AS YOUR MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT SINCE YOU ASSUMED DUTY?

UA: Well, I have made numerous contribution to my employer (Kaduna Electric) which benefits the company and the society at large. The greatest achievement I’m proud of is the installation 500KVA, 11/0.415KV transformer at Kadaure community under Unguwan Rimi feeder which relieves the two no. Overloaded 500KVA, 11/0.415KV transformers in the community which improves power stability in the community and boost revenue collection in the company.

CCD: WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES IN THE DEPARTMENT?

UA: Well, I don’t think there are much challenges rather than compliance in terms of frequent and constant monitoring of defaulters after disconnection because some customers always engaged in energy theft after disconnection mostly in the night after close of business.

CCD: WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO BRING AN END TO THE ILLEGAL RECONNECTION?

UA: Well, some of the disconnection teams were being rotated for shift work during the day time while some at night to keep monitoring the defaulters in some feeders. Although, it is not in all the services centers due to shortage of man power. We also carried out awareness/Sensitization on energy theft /management to communities and all the penalties attached to anybody involved in such in illegal practices.

CCD: ANY APPEAL OR SUGGESTION TO STAFF OR MANAGEMENT?

UA: Yes, I suggest that the management should consider the Service centers as priority in terms of rehabilitation, welfare, staff development and growth, because they are the strength/backbone of the business and closer to customers. This will help to improve our operational effectiveness and enhance revenue collection, tracking of payments and minimization of ATC&C losses on our network. I urge all the staff to develop passion and integrity towards work and efficient service delivery to the customers and also respect to individuals for the betterment and growth of the company.