BEDC To Roll Out 190,000 Meters In The Next Two Months
By Joseph Kanjo
Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has revealed that it is set to distribute 190, 000 meters to cumulative average at around 10,000 units to Edo State consumers in the next two months.
The company said to this effect customers are required to complete a customer data and a survey form, after which Meter Asset Provider (MAP) assess the premises of customers in readiness for metering.
Executive Director, commercial of BEDC, Mr. Abu Ejoor, at media launch of Edo State Meter Asset Provider (MAP), said once customer premises is cleared, such customer would be advised on how to pay for the meter whether single phase, or more.
He advised customers not to give money to either MAP or BEDC staff, stressing that customer should rather pay into designated bank accounts by the MAP.
“We advised customers not to give cash to either MAP or BEDC staff and should pay only into bank accounts designated by MAP. After payment confirmation, the customer will then be metered within stipulated time”, Ejoor added.
On present power supply reality, Mr. Ejoor disclosed that 44% of BEDC’s power allocation comes to Edo State on an average of 86,061 MW monthly.
He lamented that about 36% of power generated is lost through commercial theft or illegal consumption and none payment of bills, adding that about 14% of power generated is also lost to poor network infrastructure.
Enumerating BEDC’s loss further, Mr. Ejoor disclosed that about 30% of power supplied to households are wasted due to inefficient management of use.
Accroding to him, BEDC is taking off the metering in two major locations of GRA to Ihama of Benin City and Okpella in Auchi, Edo north.
Mr. Ejoor enjoined customers of BEDC to cooperate with the enumerators who would be going round various locations in the state by responding promptly to request for completion of enumeration form with a passport photograph.
He said, “Our customers are enjoined to cooperate with the enumerators who have been going round various locations in Edo State by responding promptly to request for enumeration form with a passport photography, a utility bill for postpaid customer and vending slip (for PPM customers) including mobile and number and email address to ease of providing quick information to parties.
“This is also a prerequisite to metering as the customer data needs to be captured for meters to be given. Those who are not customer will also be enrolled.”
Mr. Ejoor assured that BEDC is committed to providing service delivery to customer, adding that the company will leave no stone unturned in its desire to satisfy customer’s expectations.
He stressed further that, in a view to improving service delivering for customers and bridge skills gap in the power sector, BEDC turned out 60 graduate trainees and 74 technical trainees for its 2018/19 edition, adding that a total number of 685 indigenous Edo are employed presently by the company.
On penetration and power delivery, Mr. Ejoor hinted that BEDC has connected 112 communiies without supply in its coverage area to national grid between 2018 and now.
“On the customer penetration and power delivery side, between 2018 and now, BEDC has connected 112 communiies without supply in our coverage areas to the national grid. Two of such community transformers in Auchi, Igarra Success School junction and at Migita Jattu Uzaire were commissioned last month and in early September”, he stressed.
