The Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB) has recovered a total of ₦101.5 million in refunds for electricity consumers across the state, following investigations into overbilling complaints during the 2025/2026 operational year.
The recovery, described as a major consumer protection breakthrough, followed regulatory audits carried out by the Bureau’s Consumer Affairs Department against BEDC Electricity Ondo Limited (BEOL), the licensed electricity distribution and retail operator in the state.
OSERB operates under the state’s electricity regulatory framework, in line with constitutional provisions granting states oversight powers over electricity markets within their jurisdictions.
Speaking on the development, OSERB Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Stephen Olugbenga Bolawole, FNSE, said the refunds were achieved through targeted enforcement actions aimed at ensuring billing transparency and protecting consumers from unfair practices.
According to him, the recovered funds were distributed across the three senatorial districts: ₦99.7 million in Ondo Central, ₦1.5 million in Ondo North, and ₦237,000 in Ondo South.
Bolawole stressed that consumer protection remains a core mandate of the Bureau, noting that strong regulatory oversight is critical to restoring public confidence and accountability in the electricity sector, particularly as Nigeria transitions toward decentralized power governance.
Beyond billing regulation, OSERB reported notable gains in electricity infrastructure development across the state. The Bureau disclosed that it facilitated 72 independent power and mini-grid projects with a combined generation capacity of about 136 megawatts, aimed at improving electricity access and supply reliability, especially in underserved communities.
In addition, OSERB’s Equipment Standards and Competency Certification unit confirmed the successful installation and grid integration of 11 distribution transformers ranging from 300 kVA to 500 kVA at 11kV, a move expected to ease network congestion and enhance service delivery.
The Bureau attributed these achievements to the enabling policy and regulatory support of the Ondo State Government, acknowledging the leadership of Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, FCA, for providing the political backing necessary for sector reforms and enforcement.
Energy sector observers say Ondo State’s experience highlights the benefits of state-level electricity regulation, particularly in consumer protection, infrastructure expansion and performance monitoring, as Nigeria deepens power sector reforms.
OSERB reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening compliance enforcement, infrastructure facilitation and technical standards regulation to ensure sustained improvements in electricity service delivery across Ondo State.
