In its deliberate efforts to put an end to estimated and arbitrary billing of Ondo state residents by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, the State government has expressed readiness to launch ‘O Datiwa Meter’ Mass Metering Programme in the next two weeks.
The Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Energy, Hon. Johnson Alabi disclosed this to newsmen on Friday in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
According to Alabi, the initiative, implemented through the Ondo State Power Company with full regulatory oversight by the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau, aims to eradicate the challenges posed by estimated/arbitrary billings and provide a fair and transparent billing system for all electricity consumers within the state in pursuant of Part VII, Section 77, Subsection 2(a) of the Ondo State Electric Power Sector Law 2020.
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Energy pointed out that the state had issued an order through the state regulator mandating that every electricity consumer must be provided with a meter.
Alabi said, “To ensure compliance, the State Electricity Regulatory Bureau will enforce this mandatory metering programme, with strict regulations against the practice of estimated billing.
“Any Distribution Company (DISCO) found engaging in estimated billing practices will face the consequences of the law.
“According to the state order, it is required that every DISCO immediately comply with this mandate.
“The ‘No Meter, No Estimated Billing’ and ‘No Meter, No Supply’ policies will be rigorously enforced to ensure that all electricity consumers are fairly billed based on actual consumption.
“The ‘O Datiwa Meter’ programme is designed to empower the people of our state, providing them with accurate billing and reducing the financial burden caused by estimated billing practices.
“The State Government is committed to ensuring that this transition is smooth and efficient, benefiting all residents. The Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is greatly pained by the untold hardship and exploitation faced by the citizens of Ondo State due to the Discos, prompting him to embark on this initiative.”
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy stated, “This mass metering initiative represents a significant step towards achieving transparency and fairness in our state’s electricity billing system. We urge all electricity consumers to cooperate with this program and take advantage of the benefits it offers.”
For more information on the ‘O Datiwa Meter’ program, please contact the Ondo State Power Company.
Contact:
57 Bitumen House, Alagbaka, Akure
Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy
Tel: 07072886810
