By Foster Obi
The Enugu Electricity Distribution PLC (EEDC) joined the rest of the world to commemorate this year’s edition of GIS (Geographic Information System) Day. A press statement signed by Emeka Ezeh, EEDC’s Head, Communications, said the event which was observed on Wednesday, 14th November 2018, is an annual affair celebrating the technology of geographic information systems. It was initiated by spatial analytics world-leader Esri, and first took place in November 19, 1999.
According to the statement, the theme for this year’s GIS Day at EEDC was: “Driving Efficiency in Power Distribution through GIS”. Activities were lined up by the GIS Unit of EEDC to celebrate this global event, part of which was a Talk Show on GIS and its benefits. A video presentation of network maps, emphasising how it supports the business and its operations was also displayed. This had the staff and some top management of EEDC in attendance.
It noted that the highlight of the event was the cutting of the GIS Day Cake at the company’s Corporate Headquarters on Okpara Avenue, Enugu. During the presentation, the Manager, GIS, EEDC, Mr. Uche Anyalewechi explained how the company has taken advantage of the GIS technology to improve the efficiency of its service operations.
In his words, “With the aid of GIS technology, we have efficiently mapped our entire electrical network system, updating our customer database and capturing all electrical assets within our network, with each part of the infrastructure registered on the map”. Anyalewechi went further to state that the project is expected to improve decision making in the organisation’s operations.
The assets registration and customers enumeration project is a statutory requirement by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which EEDC embarked on using GIS technology. It will be recalled that EEDC commenced the project early last year and the effort has attracted commendation from NERC, describing it “as a benchmark which other Discos will be required to emulate”.
“The exercise, which is of immense benefit to both EEDC and its customers is aimed at facilitating comprehensive metering of all electricity customers; easy identification of all electrical assets and their state; identification of all existing customers; adequate planning for potential customers and network expansion.” “Others benefit include; improved power supply and quick response to faults; effective power distribution and monitoring through remote sensing; prompt identification of damaged and non-functional equipment for replacement, as well as improved customer service delivery.”
Pix: The Manager GIS, EEDC, Mr. Uche Anyalewechi during the presentation on Geographic Information System (GIS) to members of staff
