By Taiwo Ajayi
Ekiti State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, has urged the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to provide meters to all households in the state.
Aluko made the call during a meeting with BEDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Deolu Ijose, in Ado Ekiti. He stressed that metering households would enhance transparency and accountability in the electricity sector, and redeem the negative image that the distribution companies inherited from the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
The commissioner said that meters would guarantee that customers only pay for what they use, and would save them the embarrassment of being unduly and randomly disconnected. He also added that meters would help to curtail wastage.
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Aluko also solicited the collaboration of BEDC in the distribution of electricity that would be generated through the State Independent Power Plant (IPP). He noted that using the company’s overhead electricity lines would assist in ensuring optimum distribution of the 5 megawatts expected output of the power plant.
The commissioner recalled that “the IPP project was flagged off during Governor Kayode Fayemi’s administration to put an end to sole dependence on the National Grid, especially in all government institutions.”
He stressed further that “IPP would be extended to willing individuals or corporate organizations who are ready to pay for the service.”
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In his response, Ijose sought the government’s support in addressing the issues of vandavandalizationhe company’s assets.
He said that “there would soon be an enumeration exercise of both customers and assets as part of efforts to provide better services.”
Ijose also commended the state government for steps taken to address electricity supply issues, describing it as an indication of commitment to ensuring a stable electricity supply.
