ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) said that it has managed to collect over 11 billion Birr revenue in the first quarter of this Ethiopian fiscal year.
EEU Communication Chief Executive Officer Melaku Taye said that over the last three months, the utility provided access to electric for 26 new rural villages. The plan was to provide access to electricity for 31 new kebeles or villages connecting with the main grid across the country.
Over the past three months, it has amassed a total of 11.15 billion Birr revenue from energy sale, customer services, pole lease, office rent and others. The company has seen consistent revenue increment in recent years, he said.
According to him, the EEU has welcomed over 90,000 new customers, achieving 75% of its target in the above mentioned period. It showed an increment by 17.6% compared to last year same period.
Compared to last year’s 6.6billion Birr revenue performance, the revenue recorded in the first quarter of this year has a 32% increment. Furthermore, the sector also created some 3700 job opportunities, according to the chief executive officer.
On the flip side, the institution had faced challenges related to power fluctuation, service delivery, delay of projects and others. Hence, it has been undertaking reform measures based on four pillars including modernizing infrastructure, utilizing latest technologies, enabling digital payment alternatives and others to improve service delivery, he added.
As part of its social corporate responsibility, the utility handed over 10,000 exercise books for needy as well as five million Birr support to Gofa landslide victims.
Currently, some 54% of the populationis accessing electric energy across the country and efforts are underway to outreach the remaining 46%. The recent tariff reform on electricity services would support this plan, he indicated.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2024
