Nigerian Newsday

By Adako Aselema

Electricity consumers in Nasarawa State have been called upon to settle their debts owed to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Plc (PHCN) to enable it improve its power supply.

The business manager in-charge of Nasarawa State distribution unit, Dr Ayal Haladu Balami, made the call at the third quarter customers consultative council meeting held at Savanna Guest House in Lafia, last week.

Dr. Balami said Lafia zone alone owed PHCH N241,247,154:29, Keffi zone N182,267,935:28 and Akwanga zone N63,408,914:32 debts.

He said the state government alone owed PHCN N191,874,227:5, noting that despite the improved power supply in the state, customers response to the payment of their electricity bills still remained poor.

He promised consumers that meter reading would be accurately carried out by the PHCN staffers, adding that there would be prompt bills posting to customers.

He warned customers against illegal connections erection of buildings near high tension wires and bush burning so as to avoid electrical accidents.

Dr. Balami further enjoined customers to always switch off their equipment when not in use to avoid power wastage.

He said many projects have been executed by PHCN to improve the supply of power in various parts of Lafia, assuring that as soon as the Keffi substation was commissioned, Nasarawa State would enjoy constant supply of power.

Earlier, the chairman of the customers’ consultative council meeting, Mr. E. Abimiku, advised customers to pay their bills regularly.

Mr. Abimiku said a committee earlier set up by the members would soon go round the three zones of the state to discuss with traditional rulers on the best ways to recover the outstanding debts owed PHCN.

A cross section of members commended PHCN for improved power supply in Nasarawa State recently.

Awards were presented to three best members of staff and three consumers for prompt payment of their bills.