PHED explains reasons for higher electricity bills for some customers

The Port Harcourt Distribution Company (PHED) has said that some customers are facing higher electricity bills because of upgrades to their feeders. These upgrades are meant to improve power supply.

Adamma Ogwuegbu, who leads customer service at PHED, shared this information with the News Agency of Nigeria during the company’s customer appreciation event in Port Harcourt.

Mrs Ogwuegbu explained that some customers now pay higher tariffs because their feeders have been moved to Band A. This band provides electricity for 24 hours.

“Some customers are experiencing increased tariffs because their electricity feeders have been migrated to a band that supplies electricity 24 hours,” she said.

She pointed out that some customers thought they would continue paying the same rates as before even after their feeders were upgraded. She said the company is trying to explain the differences in tariffs based on various electricity supply bands.

According to her, one problem is that customers do not fully understand how electricity supply levels relate to the tariffs they pay.

Mrs Ogwuegbu said electricity distribution is a business. To keep running, operators must recover costs from sales.

“For us to remain in business, when we sell, we should be able to recover the revenue. Failure to recover revenue could threaten the sustainability of electricity distribution operations,” she said.

She added that customers should be ready to pay for electricity when the supply is good and reliable. PHED will keep teaching customers about tariffs, feeder upgrades, and the importance of collecting revenue.

Mrs Ogwuegbu also assured that the company is focused on improving customer service and handling complaints better.

“The journey has not been perfect. However, we are committed to improving, listening better, responding better and treating our customers better,” she said.

At the customer appreciation event, Mrs Ogwuegbu noted it was organized to show gratitude to customers whose support has helped the company stay afloat.