In an exclusive statement, Mr. Deolu Ijose, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), acknowledged the longstanding challenges encountered by communities that have remained disconnected from the national power grid. Assuring a proactive approach, he affirmed BEDC’s commitment to collaborating closely with both governmental authorities and local communities to tackle these obstacles head-on.
Mr. Ijose in an interview with jiroltv in Ado Ekiti highlighted a critical concern associated with prolonged off-grid status: an elevated vulnerability to electricity infrastructure vandalism. Instances of transformer, cable, and pole vandalism have surged, posing a formidable challenge to the restoration process.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Ijose assured that BEDC has devised a phased strategy aimed at swiftly addressing the issues in conjunction with community involvement. He stressed that concerted efforts between BEDC and the communities are pivotal for achieving lasting solutions.
Regarding the imperative of prepaid meters, Mr. Ijose emphasized its prominence in BEDC’s agenda. Quoting His Excellency, he highlighted the paramount importance of this initiative. He divulged that BEDC has partnered with a licensed Meter Acceptance Provider (MAP), a reputable company with proven credentials, to oversee the meter deployment process in Ekiti State.
Mr. Ijose underscored the expedited nature of the meter installation process, guaranteeing that upon subscribing to MAP, customers would have their meters installed within ten working days of payment. He clarified the pricing structure: single-phase meters at ₦64,000 and three-phase meters at ₦117,000. These costs, he elucidated, would eventually be recouped through energy vending over time, akin to a loan repayment scheme.
Issuing a word of caution, Mr. Ijose cautioned residents against dealing with unauthorized entities and urged payments to be directed to the dedicated bank account labeled “BEDC/THE NAME OF THE MAP.” He affirmed that a streamlined procedure, involving SMS notifications with unique IDs, would guide customers to authorized payment channels.
For any challenges or queries, Mr. Ijose assured customers of BEDC’s availability through customer service lines and social media platforms. He acknowledged past hitches and voiced BEDC’s commitment to reforms, ensuring clients’ needs are met without undue hassle.
Addressing speculations regarding BEDC’s renaming, Mr. Ijose underscored that the focus remains on enhancing service delivery. He assured Nigerians that BEDC, under his leadership, is unwavering in its dedication to this cause, seeking improved services translating into economic progress for communities and individuals.
Acknowledging the nationwide energy deficit, Mr. Ijose divulged BEDC’s allocation of 9% from the national grid’s energy. To bridge the gap, he expressed his commitment to innovative strategies that serve clients while supporting national energy augmentation initiatives led by government, states, and stakeholders.
