The Edo State Government has announced a massive electricity metering project aimed at putting an end to the long-standing issue of estimated billing in the state.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between the state government and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), is set to benefit approximately 500,000 homes across the three senatorial districts.
The Commissioner for Mining, Energy, Oil and Gas, Enaholo Ojiefo, made the announcement on Saturday, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the BEDC management. The MoU signing ceremony, which took place in the commissioner’s office, marked a significant milestone in the project’s rollout.
According to Ojiefo, the metering project is designed to address the age-old problem of estimated billing, which has been a thorn in the flesh of electricity consumers in the state.
He said, “The Edo State Government, in collaboration with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, will distribute meters to approximately 500,000 homes in the state.
“The exercise will begin on August 13 to eliminate the problem of estimated billing, and the project will cover all three senatorial districts.”
“Every house will have a government-subsidized meter as part of the project, and it will be insured.”
This means that subscribers will not only enjoy accurate billing but also have the assurance of financial protection in case of any mishaps.
Furthermore, the meters will be installed within 10 days after payment, ensuring a seamless transition for subscribers.
To facilitate a smooth payment process, subscribers are expected to access the payment portal on August 14.
Ojiefo assured that the meters would be distributed promptly, emphasizing the commitment of the state government to transparency and efficiency.
“The Edo State Government is committed to ensuring that our citizens enjoy access to reliable and affordable electricity,” he said.
“This metering project is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and we are proud to partner with BEDC to make it a reality,” he added.
At the MoU signing ceremony, the BEDC management team was represented by Kings Akuma, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Deolu Ijose, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. Their presence underscored the significance of the partnership and the shared commitment to improving electricity services in the state.
