- Initiative to eliminate arbitrary, estimated electricity bills
- Residents now have faster, easier access to subsidized meters
- Ondo first state in Nigeria to operationalize power sector law
In line with his promise to reform the power sector and ease the burden of the people of the State in accessing electricity, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday officially inaugurated the O’Datiwa Meters, kickstarting electricity mass metering programme across the State.
Speaking at the launch event, held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Akure, the Governor stated that the initiative would put an end to arbitrary and inflated electricity bills.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the significance of the initiative in ensuring a transparent, fair, and efficient electricity supply system, stressing that accurate metering is not only a technical necessity but a fundamental right for all consumers, as it will help eliminate the uncertainties and discrepancies that have long affected the billing process.
“This program marks a crucial step in our commitment to providing every citizen with a reliable and equitable electricity billing system. By subsidizing the meters, the government aims to address energy theft and inefficient billing practices, ensuring that residents of Ondo State pay only for the energy they consume.
“This is a promise to the people that their hard-earned money will be spent justly, and they will receive the energy they pay for without hindrance,” the Governor added.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also pointed out a recent milestone in the state’s regulatory powers with the transfer of electricity oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (SERB). This transfer will allow the state to manage its electricity sector more effectively, tailoring policies to the specific needs of its people.
Looking ahead, the Governor announced that Ondo State is preparing for an ambitious venture into power generation, transmission, and distribution. He called on both distribution and generation companies to collaborate with the state in achieving its goals.
“Our state is open to investors in all areas of power generation, transmission, and distribution. Together, we can ensure that every community in Ondo State is adequately powered. The O’Datiwa Meter Program signifies our unwavering dedication to creating a better future where energy is a source of empowerment and a pillar of equitable development”, he said.
In his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy, Engr. Johnson Alabi, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his vision in transforming the energy sector in the State. He remarked that the launch of the mass metering program marks a significant milestone in the state’s history.
Alabi emphasized that the initiative would ensure consumer protection, crediting the governor as the driving force behind the program. He noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to promoting fairness and transparency in the energy sector is exemplary and that the primary goal of the initiative is to tackle the issue of overestimated electricity bills.
Alabi, who said the State government has set a new standard for consumer protection, improving the quality of service and enhancing the overall well-being of the state’s residents, thanked the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) for its support in bringing the project to fruition.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Rasaq Obe, echoed the importance of the initiative, commending the governor for backing the it from the outset and demonstrating his dedication to improving the lives of the people.
Deolu Ijose, the Managing Director of BEDC, also acknowledged the governor’s understanding of electricity’s critical role in the state’s development. He explained that the purpose of metering is to provide consumers with accurate energy usage, addressing frustrations over inflated bills.
Ijose assured that BEDC would collaborate closely to guide the process and urged the people of Ondo State to collaborate with the BEDC, advising that any issues should be reported to the corporation rather than engaging in conflicts with the utility company.
Engr. Tunji Light-Ariyomo, Chairman of the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Transition Committee, described the development as novel, stressing that Ondo has become the first state to operationalize the power sector law in Nigeria, while Governor Aiyedatiwa is the first Nigerian governor to make meters available to residents.
Mr. Olukayode Babatunde, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the state government, adding that this initiative would enhance the standard of living and promote business growth in the State.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 10, 2024.