Benin: The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has received 75,000 electricity meters from the Federal Government through its ongoing free metering initiative, with installations currently proceeding across its franchise states.
BEDC Electricity Plc Managing Director Jonathan Lawani announced this during a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin on Thursday.
Lawani stated BEDC expects a total of 161,000 meters under the initiative, covering its four franchise states: Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ekiti.
He explained that Edo State had been allocated over 38,000 meters, distributed across BEDC’s three operational regions in the state, which include Benin, Uromi and Auchi.
“We have received 75,000 meters from the Federal Government for installation across the company’s four franchise states.
The full programme will deliver 161,000 meters to BEDC, with more than 38,000 allocated for Edo State.
Installation of these meters is ongoing in Benin, Uromi and Auchi within Edo State.
He warned customers against paying for meters or installation, emphasising that they are provided at no cost under the Federal Government initiative.
Lawani expressed concern that some customers refused meters due to the mistaken belief that metering increases electricity consumption.
The BEDC chief urged residents to report illegal fees or irregularities and warned against electricity theft, noting that violators would be penalised.
In his remarks, the Edo Commissioner for Power, Mr Paul Usenbor, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving electricity supply and establishing a meter assembly plant in the state.
Usenbor said Gov. Monday Okpebholo had prioritised the provision of reliable, round-the-clock power supply across Edo.
He noted that the stakeholders’ engagement reflected a strong commitment to infrastructure development, improved service delivery, standardised metering and faster response to customer complaints.
“The long-term goal is to ensure better power supply for citizens and public institutions.
“The long-term plan also involves increased participation of private sector partners in the state.
“His Excellency has mandated that a meter assembly plant will be set up in Edo State,” Usenbor said.
