The Ekiti State Government has urged electricity distribution companies operating in the state to ensure that all electricity consumers are metered in order to put an end to estimated billing across the state.
The state Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, made this charge in Ado Ekiti during an engagement with stakeholders on electricity matters.
He noted that the arbitrary and outrageous electricity bills imposed on unmetered houses have discouraged many consumers from paying their bills, adding that the trend has also discouraged investors from investing in the state, leading to revenue losses.
Aluko explained that the meeting was convened to address and eliminate estimated billing methods and ensure that customers pay only for what they consume with the provision of smart prepaid or postpaid meters.
Stressing that the DISCOs are expected to meter all consumers as soon as possible, Aluko urged all electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) operating in the state to submit their comprehensive metering plans and strategies to the State Electricity Regulatory Bureau.
He stated that Meter Asset Providers (MAP) companies would be required to register with the Bureau to ensure compliance in supplying standard meters. Additionally, the meters would undergo certification before acquisition to guarantee quality and reliability.
The State Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe, stressed, in his goodwill message, that having multiple companies providing meters should not be an issue since the focus should be on using certified companies that deliver standard meter products.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the ongoing proactive reforms in the power sector initiated by the Oyebanji administration have made Ekiti a trailblazer in power sector reform in Nigeria.
He added that the state government’s current efforts in the power sector would act as a catalyst for improving the ease of doing business and allow the shared prosperity agenda of the Oyebanji Administration to thrive.
The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Ekiti State, Mr. Olusegun Ojo, suggested instalment payments for consumers who cannot pay in full for prepaid or postpaid meters.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Olumide Ajayi, highlighted some key roles of the Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (EK-SERB) as an independent apex regulatory body for electricity demand and supply. He added that the Bureau has the power to prosecute any infractions of lawful directives on electricity matters.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau, Engr. Dare David, said the establishment of EK-SERB was in accordance with the Ekiti State Electricity Power Sector Law of 2023. Its purpose is to regulate electricity matters and operationalize the electricity market in the state to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply.
He solicited the continued support of all stakeholders for the efforts of the state government to improve service delivery in the power sector and boost the general well-being of residents.
Responding on behalf of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), the General Manager of Ado Ekiti District, Mrs. Moyosola Akin-Afuye, pledged their full cooperation and readiness to work with the state towards achieving the desired goal.
