Management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), yesterday, disclosed that it has concluded plans to distribute 90,870 free meters to its customers in Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ekiti states in the first quarter of 2021.
Its Head of Public Affairs, Tayo Adekunle, told newsmen in Benin City that the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) allocated the meters to the BEDC.
Adekunle noted that the meters would be distributed under the National Mass Metering programme (NMMP) beginning from Edo State.
He said the metering would cover four BEDC franchise states in a phased manner on selected distribution transformers covering 90,870 customers over a period of six months.
He explained that of the total number of meters allocated to the BEDC, Edo would get 40,995, Delta 22,247, Ondo 19,453, while Ekiti would receive 8,294.
“The meters will be distributed through the BEDC Meter Asset Provider (MAP) for its franchise areas. Metering under this scheme is free and customers will not have to pay,” he said.
He, however, said all premises would have to be enumerated and certified by the electricity inspector before installation of the meters, adding: “Customers who have collected tellers for meters under the MAP and have not paid shall not pay any amount to acquire a meter.
“Any amount paid to the account of MAP shall be refunded within 21 days subject to customers provision of the account details for the refund. While 20 per cent of the meters are three phases, 80 per cent are single phase.”
He explained that customers in Band A, which includes those with a minimum of 20 hours supply, Band B with a minimum of 16 hours, and Band C with a minimum of 12 hours of power supply, would benefit from the metering during the exercise.
“Band D with a minimum of eight hours and Band E with a minimum of six hours of power supply will benefit from the metering in the second quarter of 2021,” he added.
On the court case between BEDC and Civil Society Organisations in Edo State, Adekunle said the lawyers of both parties have resolved to settle the matter out of court.
