APL Electric Company Limited Emerges as Nigeria’s Most Improved Electricity Distribution Company

APL Electric Company Limited (Aba Power), the youngest electricity distribution company in Nigeria, has been recognized as the most improved Electricity Distribution Company (DisCo) in the country for the month of April 2024. This accolade was announced through the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) monthly Factsheet, positioning Aba Power at the forefront of electricity distribution in the country.

The NERC’s April 2024 Factsheet lauded Aba Power for its steadfast dedication to enhancing power distribution services, marking a stark improvement in collection and revenue recovery efficiencies, and customer satisfaction metrics. This recognition is an affirmation of the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence in the power sector.

Mr. Ugo Opiegbe, Managing Director of Aba Power, expressed his delight at the company’s achievement. “This recognition reflects the tremendous efforts and commitment of our entire team,” he stated. “We have been focused on implementing technological advancements and improving our infrastructure to ensure a reliable power supply to our customers. This award is a testament to the positive results of those initiatives.”

Mr. Opiegbe highlighted several key initiatives that have contributed to their success. “We have invested significantly in modernizing our grid infrastructure and adopting smart technology to better manage power distribution. This not only minimizes outages but also ensures more efficient energy management. The positive impacts of these investments will reflect even more in the following months.” he explained.

However, Mr. Opiegbe also pointed out existing challenges that the company faces. “Despite our improvements, we are still being held back from optimum power delivery to industrial customers and residents of nine of the 17 local government areas (LGAs) of Abia State due to gas supply challenges. Addressing this issue remains a top priority for us,” he added.

Engr. Blessing Ogbe, Chief Operating Officer of Aba Power, also shared his insights on the company’s strategies. “Customer satisfaction has always been at the heart of our operations. We have enhanced our customer service protocols and response times, ensuring that every consumer’s concern is addressed promptly and effectively,” said Engr. Ogbe.

The COO further shed light on the operational reforms undertaken by Aba Power. “Our workforce has undergone extensive training to stay abreast of the latest developments in the power sector. This has empowered our staff to handle the challenges of the industry more proficiently,” he mentioned.

Residents and businesses in Aba have echoed the NERC’s sentiments, praising the noticeable improvements in their power supply. “We now experience a significant reduction in outages and fluctuations, which has greatly enhanced our productivity and quality of life”, stated Harrison Egeonu, an Aba resident.

Looking forward, APL Electric Company Limited plans to sustain and even surpass their current performance levels. Mr. Opiegbe emphasized the company’s vision for the future: “We are committed to furthering our advancements and continuing to be a leader in this sector. Our goal is to set a benchmark for excellence in power distribution not just in Nigeria but across the African continent.”

This milestone for Aba Power underlines the potential for progress within Nigeria’s power sector, driven by innovation and a customer-centric approach. As the most improved DisCo in the country in April, Aba Power’s success story offers a blueprint for other companies seeking to elevate their service standards and operational efficiency.