The Biodun Oyebanji-led government in Ekiti State has urged Electricity Distribution Companies operating in the State to ensure that all its consumers are metered in order to put an end to estimated billing across the State.
The State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko who gave the charge in Ado Ekiti during an engagement with concerned stakeholders on Electricity matters, noted that arbitrary and outrageous electricity bills being imposed on un-metered houses have discouraged many consumers from paying their bills, adding that the ugly trend was also discouraging investors from investing in the State leading to loss of revenue.
Aluko explained that the meeting was convened to address and put an end to estimated billing methods and ensure that customers paid for only what they consumed with the provision of Smart prepaid or postpaid meters.
Stressing that the DISCOs are expected to meter all consumers as soon as possible, Aluko enjoined all electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) operating in the State to submit their comprehensive metering plans and strategies to the State Electricity Regulatory Bureau.
He said that Meter Asset Providers Companies would be made to register with the Bureau to ensure compliance in supplying standard meters, adding that the meters would also pass through the process of certification before they are acquired to guarantee good quality and reliable products.
The State Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe, in his goodwill message, emphasized that having many companies providing meters should not be an issue, stressing that the focus is to make use of certified Companies that will deliver standard meters products.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner Information,Rt Hon.Taiwo Olatunbosun said the ongoing proactive reforms in the power sector initiated by the Oyebanji Administration had turned Ekiti into a trailblazer in power sector reform in Nigeria.
He said the present moves of the State Government in the power sector would act as a catalyst in improving ease of doing business and also allow the shared prosperity agenda of the Oyebanji Administration thrive more in the State.
In his contribution, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ekiti State, Hon. Olusegun Ojo solicited for installment payments for consumers who are not privileged to pay at once to access the prepaid or postpaid meters.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Olumide Ajayi, during his presentation, highlighted some key roles of Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (EK-SERB) as an independent Apex Regulatory Body of Electricity demand and supply, adding that it has the power to prosecute any infraction of lawful directives issues on Electricity matters.
Earlier in his Welcome address, the Executive Secretary of Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau, Engr. Dare David, attributed the successes recorded so far in the power sector to Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s resilient efforts at developing the State and improving the lot of the people, adding that his passion on Electricity issues and the provision of an enabling environment for the Bureau to perform effectively has guaranteed that a stable electric power supply would soon be achieved across the State.
Engr David said that the establishment of Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (EKSERB) was done in accordance with Ekiti State Electricity Power Sector Law 2023 to regulate electricity matters and operationalize the electricity market in the state to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply.
He solicited the continued support of all stakeholders for the efforts of the State Government to improve service delivery in the power sector and generally boost the general wellbeing of residents in the State.
Responding on behalf of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), the General Manager of Ado Ekiti District, Mrs. Moyosola Akin-Afuye pledged their full cooperation and readiness to work with the State towards achieving the desired goal.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
