••• Declares vacancy to new Distribution Company
The Ondo State government has declared four local government councils in the southern senatorial district of the state as unserved due to the failure of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, to restore power to the areas in the last 14 years.
They are Ilaje, Irele, Okitipupa and Ese Odo local government areas.
Subsequently, the state government has called on interested power distribution company to take over distribution of electricity in the affected areas as soon as possible.
Engr. Alabi Johnson, the Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Energy stated this in statement made available to Roving Reporters on Thursday in Akure, the state capital.
Alabi explained that the step was part of efforts towards improving electricity infrastructure and supply to the areas without further delay.
He said, “This initiative aligns with the declaration of Ondo South as an unserved area, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing the region’s electricity
“For years Ondo South has had no grid electricity which has stifled development, economic activities and agitations of various kinds in the region due to this, the state government has been engaging with various stakeholders on the way forward.
“On May 4, 2023, the Ondo South Senatorial District was declared an unserved area in accordance with the Ondo State Power Sector Law (OSEPSL) 2020 PART II Section 7 (p).
“This declaration was based on the Disco’s non-compliance with established conditions for adequate electricity supply.
“It was identified that four Local Government Areas within Ondo South-Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, and Ese-Odo-be declared as unserved areas.
“This pronouncement is critical for guiding interventions and developing independent electricity distribution networks.
“After the completion of the Ode-erinje Transmission Sub Station, it was expected that the situation would improve but it was found that the two out of the four local governments that should have benefited, immediately from this project are still lacking not because there is no power to feed the people but because the Disco is not ready to build the necessary infrastructure to distribute the power.
“By this extension, the Governor of Ondo state His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa has directed the Ondo State Power Company to wade into how to end the crisis of having to involve consumers in payment for damaged infrastructure, which is illegal by the Ondo State Electricity power sector law 2020(OSEPL).
“Consequently, the identified four Local Government Areas within Ondo South-Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, and Ese-Odo-areas that had previously been declared unserved will be opened to any investors to bid for distribution and subsequent licensing.
“The Ondo State Government will henceforth not condone any act that is unlawful by any Disco operating within her territory.
“By this announcement, the Disco currently operating in this four (4) Local Government are to immediately report to the Ondo State Electricity regulatory Bureau for further instruction.”