The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has issued an apology to customers across its franchise states, including Edo, for the recent deterioration in electricity supply. The company cites a significant reduction in power allocation from the national grid as the primary cause of the increased outages and load shedding.
According to BEDC spokesperson, Mrs. Evelyn Gbiwen, the current situation is beyond the direct control of the distribution company. In a statement released Thursday in Benin, Mrs. Gbiwen acknowledged the impact of the supply constraints on households, businesses, healthcare facilities, and overall socio-economic activities. She emphasized that the outages were not a deliberate action on the part of BEDC.
“The present outage and load shedding being experienced are not deliberate actions by BEDC, but a direct consequence of reduced power allocation from the national grid,” Mrs. Gbiwen stated.
She further explained that the diminished allocation has necessitated the implementation of load management measures, in accordance with service level agreements across various customer bands. This situation, she clarified, is not unique to BEDC’s franchise area but is a nationwide challenge affecting electricity distribution companies across Nigeria due to constraints on the national grid.
Mrs. Gbiwen also addressed concerns that Edo state was being unfairly targeted with poor electricity supply. She refuted these claims, asserting that Edo has historically received a substantial portion of BEDC’s daily energy allocation.
“Contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the situation is not targeted at oppressing our esteemed customers in Edo or any part of our network. Historically and presently, Edo accounts for a large portion of BEDC’s total daily energy allocation,” she said.
The company stated that it is actively collaborating with relevant stakeholders to find solutions to improve the overall electricity supply and minimize disruptions. In addition, BEDC is intensifying its metering rollout program to eliminate estimated billing practices and enhance transparency with its customers.
“As part of our commitment to service improvement and transparency, the company continues to intensify its metering drive to eliminate estimated billing and enhance customer confidence,” Mrs. Gbiwen added.
BEDC assured its customers of its commitment to equitable electricity distribution, infrastructure protection, and improved service delivery. The company urged customers to remain patient as it continues working to mitigate the impact of the national grid constraints.
