By Lekan Adejuwon
Ekiti State Government has urged Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) operating in the State to work assiduously towards ensuring 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 who gave the charge in Ado Ekiti during a public engagement with concerned stakeholders on electricity matters, noted that arbitrary and outrageous electricity bills being imposed on un-metered houses have discouraged many consumers from paying their bills, adding that the ugly trend was also discouraging investors from patronizing the State due to the fear of loss of revenue. He also urged citizens to refrain from electricity theft, meter by-passing and asset vandalism, noting that these were now regarded as economic crimes that also dissuade investors.
Aluko explained that the meeting was convened primarily to provide information about the import of the recent NERC order deregulating meter prices in the country, and work towards putting an end to estimated billing methods, thereby ensuring that customers paid for only what they consumed with the provision of Smart prepaid or postpaid meters.
Stressing that the directive on metering all consumers is expected to become effective from 10th of June, 2024 under order by EKSERB, Aluko informed that a price list of a range of meters, including affordable ones, will be published soon. He enjoined all electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) operating in the State to submit their comprehensive metering plans and strategies to the State Electricity Regulatory Bureau.
He said that Meter Asset Providers would be made to register with the Bureau to ensure compliance in supplying standard meters, adding that the meters would also pass through the process of certification before they are acquired to guarantee good quality and reliable products.
The State Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe, in his goodwill message, emphasized that having many companies providing meters should not be an issue, stressing that the focus is to make use of certified Companies that will deliver standard meters products.
In his contribution, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ekiti State, Hon. Olusegun Ojo solicited for installmental payments for consumers who are not privileged to pay at once to access the prepaid or postpaid meters.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Olumide Ajayi, during his presentation, highlighted some key roles of Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (EK-SERB) as an independent Apex Regulatory Body of Electricity demand and supply, adding that it has the power to prosecute any infraction of lawful directives issues on Electricity matters.
The Permanent Secretary of Ekiti Electricity Board (EKSEB) Engr. Ekundayo Atere, lamented the low metering rate in Ekiti State, blaming previously centrally-fixed high cost and seeming reluctance of Discos to meter customers. He assured that EKSERB will do all within its power to correct the situation.
Earlier in his Welcome address, the Executive Secretary of Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau, Engr. Dare David, attributed the successes recorded so far in the power sector to Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s resilient efforts at developing the State and improving the lot of the people, adding that his passion on Electricity issues and the provision of an enabling environment for the Bureau to perform effectively have guaranteed that a stable electric power supply would soon be achieved across the State.
Engr David said the establishment of Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (EKSERB) was done in accordance with Ekiti State Electricity Power Sector Law 2023 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 generally boost the general well-being of residents in the State.
Responding on behalf of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), the General Manager of Ado Ekiti District, Mrs. Moyosola Akin-Afuye pledged the Disco’s full cooperation and readiness to work with the State towards achieving the desired goal.
Also present at the Stakeholders meeting was the Chairman of House of Assembly Committee on Infrastructure on Public Utility, Hon. Femi Akindele, Hon. Commissioner for Information , Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, CMD of EKSUTH Prof. Kayode Olabanji. Others included representatives of BEDC, IBEDC and Ekiti IPP, as well as of meter providers Protogy and Memmcol, among others.
