BEDC commences distribution of free prepaid meters in Ekiti

The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has commenced the distribution of free prepaid meters to customers in Ekiti State.

The company said at a customer’s consultative ceremony in Ado Ekiti on Thursday that this was part of its resolve to eliminate the problem of estimated billing, which had been a bane in its operations in the state.

The BEDC Chief State Head for Ondo and Ekiti States, Mrs. Kunbi Labiyi, who made this known during the forum, said the company was working hard to ensure better service delivery, and pointed out that, the company was giving out 9,000 prepaid meters in Ekiti State out of which 1,000 has been released for the month of January for customers in Ado Ekiti alone.

Mrs. Labiyi, while responding to questions from customers on non-availability of prepaid meters, estimated billings, poor services and high tariffs, among others, explained that the processes of power generation, transmission and distribution has become problematic because only 3,000 megawatts is presently generated for 160 million Nigerians.

Mrs. Labiyi noted that 10,000 megawatts was required to adequately serve 1 million people adding that shortfall in megawatts generated was the major problem Distribution Companies (DISCOs) were facing.

She further disclosed that BEDC gets just 9 per cent of energy allocation which it distributes to about 800,000 customers in four catchment states of Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti.

According to her, the distribution of free meters to customers was delayed by rise in foreign exchange which had affected the unit price of the product which had gone up sharply.

While urging customers to always pay their bills, the BEDC boss stressed that energy theft is a serious crime and a sabotage to the economy which attracts strong sanctions.

Mrs. Labiyi said: “Whenever your bills come, ensure that you pay; you are free to lodge your complaints by any error in our services and bills will be rectified. Energy theft is a serious crime, therefore pay your crime.

“BEDC has taken a step in the right direction to distribute meters free of charge to eliminate the problem of estimated billing. Estimated billing is not in anybody’s interest therefore we are working hard to ensure that you enjoy value for your money.