BEDC installs 2,500 pre-paid metres, faults Edo govt over power plant

Three months after the commencement of the installation of pre-paid meters, a total of 2,500 pre-paid meters has been installed by the management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) while about 48 communities were connected to the national grid in 2019.

The Managing Director of BEDC, Mrs. Funke Osibodu who disclosed this in Benin yesterday insisted that the electricity company will not compromise regulatory orders and safety to please the Edo State Government.

On the recent ultimatum issued to BEDC by the Edo State Government, which expired on 31st January over the government-owned Ossioma Power Plant, Mrs. Osibodu who was represented by Mr. Abel Enechiazam, the Chief State Head (Edo), said that BEDC has a distribution network, adding that there cannot be a distribution network within BEDC network but however assured that the company can accommodate a partner.

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According to her, the Ossioma power plant will have to operate within the terms of the regulatory arrangements to avoid any form of tragedy and mishap in the system.

Mrs. Osibodu said; “As regards the ultimatum issued to BEDC by the Edo State Government, BEDC has a distribution network and, there cannot be a distribution network within BEDC network. But the BEDC can accommodate a partner.

Also, the Ossioma power project will have to operate within the terms of the regulatory arrangements to avoid any form of tragedy and mishap in the system. That is what we are trying to avoid. BEDC has a good relationship with the Edo State Government.”

She said that the company commissioned Twenty- Two 300 KVA, Two 200KVA and One 500KVA transformers in Delta State; Five 500KVA, Three 300KVA in Edo State, Two 500 KVA, Two 300KVA and Two 200KVA in Ekiti State.

Mrs. Osibodu explained that the company also commissioned a 1×7.5 MVA in Uteh Injection Substation, to supply the Uteh community, revealing plans for a new 11KV Feeder from Nekpenkpen to improve the supply in Sokponba and Akpakpavba axis.

The company is to engage generation companies both in and outside Nigeria to improve electricity supply to customers in the 4 states within its franchise states of Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ekiti.