KADUNA ELECTRIC NEWSLETTER, NOVEMBER EDITION

Corps Members to Get 3 Months Extension, Possible Retention

Farewell Dinner, Award Night for Outgoing Corps Members 

By Halima Shuaibu

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Garba Haruna has disclosed that the 2016/17 Batch B Corp members who have just completed their service with the company will get a 3-month extension to work for the company.

The MD who spoke at this year’s farewell party organized in honour of the Corp members said that their contributions to the company has warranted the need for a three-month extension during which they will be assessed, trained and retained based on their performance. 

He enjoined them to remain committed to whatever they are given to do noting that they can only excel when they fully apply themselves to the tasks.

“Even as you leave Kaduna Electric, you should remain committed to whatever task you are given, make good use of all you have leant from here, the experience will come in handy especially when you get to another organization. Most importantly, remain good ambassadors of the Company”.

The event, which took place at the company’s Corporate Head Quarters, had an Award Night as one of the major highlights.

Corp Members who distinguished themselves during service were recognized and given award certificates in different categories. 

They were later treated to sumptuous dinner. There was also a dance competition and lots of games and other fun activities for the night.

In his welcome address, the Chief Corporate Services Officer, Mr. Uday Mishra tasked the Corp members on hard work and passion for whatever they do stressing that the labour market will require young people who will bring hard work and dedication to duty. 

Also speaking, the Chief Marketing and Customer Services Officer, Mal. Murtala Bello, urged the young adults to look up to the future ahead of them. He reminded them of theme of the event, which is “Find Your Inner Treasure”, encouraging them to look inwards for what he termed the “latent potential”. 

Kaduna Electric At The NERC

Complaints Forum

By Halima Shuaibu

The National Electricity Regulatory Commission, Kaduna State Complaint Forum, has received series of complaints from Customers of Kaduna Electric alleging breach of contract of different categories. 

According to information from the Forum, these complaints include over billing, faulty transformers, request for meters, request for refund and damages. 

The Forum met recently to look at some of these cases.  It was presided over by its chairman, Engr. Iliyasu Sale, representing Manufacturers Association of Nigeria. Other members are Mohammed Yusuf Lere, representing National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Industry and Sale Abdullahi, representing Consumer Protection Council. 

Cases brought before NERC forum, are:

1.     Alamin Abubakar Vs Kaduna Electric (Damage Claim of 1 million-naira, Refund of N160 for Meter Bypass, Meter replacement and revenue Loss)

2.     Kamazo Community Vs Kaduna Electric (Faulty Transformer)

3.     Mr. Ephraim Vs Kaduna Electric (Request for Prepaid Meter)

4.     Mr. Mutallab Vs Kaduna Electric (Overbilling)

The first case that came up was Alamin Abubakar (complainant) versus Kaduna Electric.  The complainant was represented by his lawyer who prayed the court to order the defendant to pay him the sum One Million Naira for damages he suffered for the period he was out of supply. He also denied the accusation that his meter was compromised as stated by Kaduna Electric and therefore, pleaded for a refund of N160,000 (One Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira Only) for all the monies he paid to Kaduna Electric as follows: N50,000 for Meter replacement, N60,000 for loss of revenue  and N50, 000 as penalty for meter bypass.

In his ruling the Chairman of the tribunal requested that the lawyer representing Alamin Abubakar should ensure that his client appears in court on the adjourned date to give a complete testimony while Kaduna Electric should present an official document stating the penalty for meter bypass.

In the case involving Kamazo Community, the complainants prayed the court to direct Kaduna Electric to restore power to the community by replacing the faulty transformer.

Responding, Kaduna Electric through its lawyer stated that the community still owes the company a huge sum with most of its members defaulting and engaging in illegal connections.

The Chairman, while reading the ruling ordered that the community must be reconnected with the next three weeks day, time fixed for judgment. 

Kaduna Electric Trains 63 for New Billing Platform

By Mohammed Abbah, Sokoto Area Office

The management of Kaduna Electric has employed the services of  Dof.net, a billing consultancy company to train 63 members of its staff on the new billing platform for Post Paid customers.

Speaking during a workshop in Sokoto, Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed of Dof.net, said the aim of the training programme was to acquaint cashiers in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states on the new billing system.

According to him, this is to enable all the cashiers in the three states to be fully aligned to the new system.

Mohammed, who is also the facilitator of the training programme, maintained that the company is seeking new and effective ways to continually deliver on its customer satisfaction promise, hence the move to train the cashiers.

He emphasized that Kaduna Electric was determined to change the lives of its valued customers by ensuring that the allocated power supply is adequately rationed so that customers get value for paying their bills.

"This is aimed at ensuring that billing information is made available in a convenient and secured manner.”

This according him, is geared towards meeting the expectations of its valued customers in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, as the new electricity billing system introduced will curb losses to power firms".

He further said that the company had embarked on a transformational journey to positively change the lives of its customers through the provision of customer friendly and value-added services.

“Kaduna Electric wants to make sure that the valued customers pay for the exact quantum of energy they consumed”.

He told the cashiers that the company decided to train them, as it is committed to delivering exceptional services to its customers in line with the vision to be the best electricity distribution company in the country.

 Outgoing Corps Members Get Commendation Letters

Ø Productive Corps Members to Be Retained 

By Nafiu Kabiru, Kebbi Area Office 

The Ag. Business Development and Relationship Officer (BDRO), Engr. Dogara Saidu has commended the outgoing corps members from Kebbi Area Office for their contributions while working with the company.

Engr. Saidu made this remark while addressing the outgoing Batch B Corp Members who served mainly in the ICT and Engineering and Technical units.

He added that their contributions did not go unnoticed, as the management has promised to retain those who have performed exceptionally.

“The Managing Director has said that those of you who have done very well on their job should be retained. Even those of you leaving us should not relent, there are opportunities out there but only for those who will work hard”. 

Operation Supervisor, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara Engr. Umar Sani Argungu equally tasked the corps members to remain good ambassadors of the company adding that they must continue to be committed and hardworking.

Letters of Commendation were given to the corps members for the successful completion of the projects they were assigned.

Responding, the corps members took turn to express their gratitude to the management for giving them the opportunity to serve the company.

Inadequate Manpower, A Major Obstacle to Effectiveness-HR Personnel

By Mohd Abbah, Sokoto Area Office 

The Human Resources Officer, Gusau Area office of Kaduna Electric Mallam Yusuf Muhammad has identified inadequate manpower as a major challenge facing the company. 

Malam Yusuf made this disclosure during an exclusive interview with the media team of the organization in his office in Gusau.

"We lack manpower especially in Marketing and Engineering departments and we are hoping to solve the problem as soon as possible".

On proffering possible solutions to the problem, the Human Resources Officer said organizing training, seminars, creating a more conducive environment for the staff of the organization will go a long way in solving the problem.

Speaking on disciplinary matters, Malam Muhammad suggested that everyone should have a copy of HR handbook so that when a rule is violated, the penalty is already known, and no one can hide under the excuse of being ignorant.

When asked about his achievements so far in the organization, the Sokoto born Human resource expert said: "I have tried to make the work place conducive for both staff and customers, we have also made arrangement for cleaners in order to make the environment livable”. 

Explaining further, he stated that faulty appliances and office materials requiring repairs have been done with the help of the Business Development and Relationship Officer.

He concluded by calling on all the staff of Gusau Area Office to maintain a harmonious working relationship, which according to him is the only way any business organization can attain any form of success.

4 Suspected Vandals Docked 

By Mohd Abbah

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Civil Defense in Gusau, Zamfara State has paraded two suspects, Hashim Gado, 25 and Abdullahi Ahmad 29 who were accused of vandalizing and dismantling 600 meters aluminum cable and 8no 33kv insulator belonging to Kaduna Electric in Kuga village Zamfara State.

Gado who had earlier accused his wife of adultery was exposed by her for stealing aluminum cables belonging to Kaduna Electric.

Hashimu Gado claimed that the items were sold to him by one Aminu Awwal, Abubakar Abdullahi, and Usman Muazu all of who are residents of Daraja Cassette of Sabon Gari Gusau. All of them denied the allegation.

The Chief Judge of the Magistrate court 1 Maru, Zamfara State, Justice Muhammad Bello has ordered that the suspects be remanded.  

The Civil Defense prosecutor, Ashiru Sani Abubakar arraigned and read the charges to the accused persons before Justice Muhammad Bello.  

They were charged with criminal conspiracy, theft and tempering with properties belonging to Kaduna Electric which is a criminal offense and contravenes section 97, 288 and section 1 (9) of miscellaneous offense act, CAP M7 law of federation (2014).

The accused persons pleaded guilty to the charges.

     

Similarly, three other accused persons (Aminu Awwal, Abubakar Abdullahi and Usman Mu'azu) were also arraigned before Justice Muhammad Bello for various charges which include dishonestly receiving stolen properties and concealment of stolen properties all of which are contrary to section 319 of panel code law.  They denied the allegations leveled against them.

Justice Muhammad Bello Galadaci granted each of them bail with a condition of providing a surety who must be a reasonable person who owns a house within the judicial area otherwise the accused persons be remanded.

The Corporate Communication Officer, Gusau Area Office, Muhammad Abba who represented the company during the hearing expressed his appreciation to the Civil Defense Command Zanfara State for apprehending the suspects.

 “We appreciate your efforts and we will continually seek your assistance in curbing the menace of vandalism as this is one of the major obstacles to providing stable power supply”.

 

MEET THE STAFF SERIES

How We Increased Revenue and Reduced Conflicts in Hanyin Danmani

CCD: Baba M. Hassan, as the Supervisor for Hayin Danmani Service Center, tell us what your role typically looks like?

BMH: As a supervisor, I oversee the whole Service Center, which includes staff and the customers. Basically, as a Supervisor, I run the Service Center the way the Managing Director of a company would run a business by ensuring that anything that concerns the Service Center is properly taken care of

CCD:  Give us an insight how you manage the Service Center?

BMH: Firstly, when I get complaints from either my staff or customers, I give both sides fair hearing because as the saying goes: “no one has a monopoly of knowledge”. I can equally learn something from them even though I am a Supervisor.

When there is an increase in supply, it is expected that there would be a corresponding increase in the amount that customers are expected to pay for the month, so Sales Reps are expected to educate the customer on the reason for the increase on their bills to prevent the customer from thinking he has been arbitrarily billed.

Some of the problems we face start from bill distribution. The Sales Reps are not just to deliver the bill to the customers but to encourage them to pay. 

And that is one of the areas in which we can differentiate ourselves from the defunct PHCN by convincing them to come and settle their bills themselves.

We have also been able to engage Sarkin Dillalai 1 & 2 Kankona communities to dispel rumors that customers should pay for infrastructural maintenance and sale of old meters. They were also enlightened on the need to insist on receipt after any payment is made no matter how small the amount.

CCD: Tell us some of your accomplishments as the Supervisor of Hayin Damani?

BMH: There are a lot of achievements, even though I have only spent two months; one of them is the relative peace we are currently experiencing, a departure from the numerous conflicts before I came.

Secondly, we were able to increase the collection by almost a 100%. From a collection of around 1.9 Million Naira to 3.8 Million Naira and hopefully in the next three months I am targeting a collection of 7million naira especially with the cooperation I am getting from the BDRO and my staff. 

CCD: What are the challenges of manning a Service Center like yours?

BMH: The challenge always comes from billing; this has to do with how much a customer is willing to pay when there is outstanding and current charge on his bill. This is why I have said that the least we can collect from a customer is the current charges plus VAT. Before now, some customers pay below their current charges and 5% from their outstanding. I have changed that method, even though there has been some resistance, I have taken time to enlighten them so that they can see reasons.

CCD: As a Supervisor, how do you manage relationship with customers and the staff you work with?

BMH: We have a very cordial relationship with customers as well as staff because for you to succeed in this business, you need the collaborative effort of staff and the customers.

We hold meetings three times in a week and in these meetings, everyone is free to present his/her challenges and achievements, where there is need to proffer solutions we do so to enable us achieve our objectives. 

CCD: If you had an opportunity to speak with management, what advice would you give them?

BMH: My advice would be for us to have an office of our own in Hajin Danmani, this would make the work easier and it would make us closer to the people that we serve. 

It is difficult for some customers in Danmani to come here to pay their bills because of the distance; our collection would improve if we had an office closer to them. Our response time to resolving technical faults will also be shortened. We are also suggesting that we need a relief transformer.

MEET THE STAFF SERIES

How We Are Tackling The Challenges

of “NEPA 2”

CCD:  Abdulhamid Abubakar, you are the Supervisor for Governors Feeder. What is your role as a Supervisor?

AA: As a Supervisor I have a lot to do. I am more like the Managing Director (MD) of my Service Center, I oversee all the activities of all the staff under my Service Centre and I make sure that every staff is committed to the job. 

CCD: What are your strategies for running the Service Center?

AA: I have trained my staff, especially the Marketers on how to achieve the organization’s set objectives. We normally do community engagement which I consider key to the success of this business. This enables our customers to know how this business is being run, how much we value them as our customers even though our business looks like a monopoly. 

We use the medium to tell them that the energy was bought and when it is sold, it is expected that they as the customers pay so that we can remain in business.

CCD: Since you became a Supervisor, what would you consider your high points?

AA: We have achieved so many things. The number one thing for me is the collection, which is the backbone of the business.

When I assumed duty here it was 6 million Naira and now we have moved up to 7.5 million Naira in the last two months except for this month, which generally recorded a drop in collection due to the prevalent financial problem all over, and the bills that didn’t come out early enough.

CCD: How would you describe the kind of challenges you are facing?

AA: The issue of our staff not using their initiative when there is a need is something of concern to me. Take the new bills for instance, they are supposed to enlighten the customers on the fact that our bills are now wearing a new look and make clarifications where need be but many of them don’t do this.

Secondly, the issue of “NEPA 2”, when we disconnect a defaulting customer, they reconnect the customer for as low as Five Hundred Naira (N500), so the customers patronize them because it is cheaper compared to paying Two Thousand Naira (N2,000) to Kaduna Electric for reconnection. This situation has led us to disconnect a whole community because they refused to pay their bills. A community like Shaiskawa was disconnected last week in order to compel them to pay their bills, and I can tell you that out of 26 bills, they cleared 18 and we promptly reconnected those who paid leaving only the defaulting customers. 

CCD: What do you think can be done to stop the activities of “NEPA 2”?

AA: We have started something for now on Afamu Road, where we asked them to set up a committee on power. The Chairman and Secretary of the committee will be part of our bill distribution and line disconnection exercise. Thereafter, should there be any illegal reconnection, the committee Chairman and Secretary will be held responsible. This tactic has worked very well so far; we hope to replicate it in other Clusters.

CCD: How are you managing your relationship with staff in order make them work towards achieving their goals?

AA: I maintain a cordial relationship with my staff; we work as a team because if anyone fails in his responsibility, it would affect the whole Service Center.  I always make them see the team as a family whereby if one person has a challenge we can work together to fix the problem.

I have told the Marketers to manage their Clusters like their personal business because our daily bread depends on the success of the company and it is only when we take ownership of it that it can succeed. 

I have also assigned Engineers to the Marketers to enable them tackle technical problems. 

In fact, right now there is a Marketer on leave, but we are not feeling her absence because an Engineer has been sent to replace her and so the work is going on smoothly in Governors Feeder as one big family.

CCD: Any appeal/suggestion to staff/management.

AA: I am appealing to the management to provide security for us especially where/when we are faced with stubborn customers.  We need security because of the kind of hostility we face and the notion that they (customers) cannot be punished if they hurt any of us needs to be addressed.

But if we had some security or law protecting us in the discharge of our duties, such harassment will reduce.

Look at what happened to one of our Engineers at Airport Feeder, Sabon Gari; he was beaten almost to a pulp.  I had to disconnect the entire village from my network and I wrote to the Head Office to inform them about the incident. The Village Head later came with the BDRO to clear their debt and an agreement was reached before they were reconnected. 

Chairman Kaduna Electric,Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar delivering closing remarks @ th...

pictures from the Kaduna Innovention roundtable for start-ups and entrepreneurs where our chairman, Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, was chairman of the occasion.

The Chairman, Kaduna Electric,  Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, (right) presenting an award to Governor Nasir El-Rufai who was represented by the state commissioner for commerce, Dr. Manzo Daniel Maigari, at the Innovention roundtable for startups and entrepreneurs in Kaduna yesterday