The Government of Ekiti State has called on Electricity Distribution Companies within the state to provide meters for all consumers in order to put an end to estimated billing across the State, Ekiti News reports.
During a meeting with stakeholders in Ado Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, urged for action on electricity matters.
Prof. Aluko highlighted that the arbitrary and excessive bills imposed on un-metered homes have discouraged many consumers from paying, adding that the ugly trend was also discouraging investors from investing in the State leading to loss of revenue.
The Commissioner explained that the meeting aimed to address and end estimated billing practices. He emphasized the importance of providing smart prepaid or postpaid meters to ensure customers only pay for the electricity they actually use.
Prof. Aluko emphasized that DISCOs must meter all consumers promptly. He urged all electricity distribution companies in the state to submit their detailed metering plans and strategies to the State Electricity Regulatory Bureau.
The Commissioner added 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.
Engr. Sunday Komolafe, the State Head of Service 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.
Rt. Hon.Taiwo Olatunbosun, the State Commissioner for Information, in his remarks, said that 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.
The Government’s spokesman 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.
The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ekiti State, Hon. Olusegun Ojo, in his contribution, solicited for installment payments for consumers who are not privileged to pay at once to access the prepaid or postpaid meters.
Engr. Olumide Ajayi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry 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.
The Executive Secretary of Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau, Engr. Dare David, earlier in his Welcome address, 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.
The Executive Secretary 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.
Engr. David 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.
Mrs. Moyosola Akin-Afuye, the General Manager of the Ado Ekiti District for Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), responding on behalf of the company pledged their full cooperation and readiness to work with the state to achieve this goal.