Ondo State residents will no longer face the burden of inflated electricity bills, thanks to the newly launched O’Datiwa Meter program. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa officially kicked off the mass metering initiative on Tuesday in Akure, fulfilling his promise to bring transparency and fairness to the state’s electricity billing system.
During the launch, held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the program is designed to end the longstanding problem of arbitrary billing practices that have left residents overcharged for energy they didn’t consume.
“This program marks a crucial step in our commitment to providing every citizen with a reliable and equitable electricity billing system. By subsidizing the meters, the government aims to address energy theft and inefficient billing practices, ensuring that residents of Ondo State pay only for the energy they consume,” Aiyedatiwa declared. “It’s a promise that their hard-earned money will be spent justly, and they will receive the energy they pay for without hindrance.”
The metering initiative, a part of the governor’s broader energy sector reform agenda, will be implemented across the state. The governor highlighted the importance of this move not just in providing accurate billing but also in supporting Ondo’s long-term energy goals, which include local power generation, transmission, and distribution.
Aiyedatiwa also pointed to a key shift in the state’s control over its power sector, following the recent transfer of regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the newly established State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (SERB). This move, he said, would allow the state to manage its electricity challenges more effectively, tailoring policies to local needs and ensuring better service delivery.
“The O’Datiwa Meter Program signifies our unwavering dedication to creating a better future where energy is a source of empowerment and a pillar of equitable development,” he noted, adding that the state is open to investments in power generation and distribution.
A Milestone for Ondo State
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy, Engr. Johnson Alabi, lauded the initiative as a game-changer for the state, commending Governor Aiyedatiwa for his vision in spearheading the program. He explained that the mass metering would curb the widespread issue of overestimated electricity bills, providing accurate billing based on real consumption.
“This is a significant milestone in Ondo’s history. The governor’s leadership in promoting fairness and transparency in the energy sector has set a new standard for consumer protection in Nigeria,” Alabi said. “With the mass metering program, residents can be assured of a better quality of service and a fairer billing system.”
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Rasaq Obe, also praised the governor’s role in backing the program from its inception, noting that it reflects his commitment to improving the lives of the people of Ondo State.
Partnership for Progress
Deolu Ijose, Managing Director of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), one of the key partners in the project, expressed support for the governor’s efforts to transform the state’s energy landscape. He assured the public that BEDC would work closely with the government to ensure the smooth implementation of the metering program.
“The purpose of metering is to provide consumers with accurate energy usage, addressing frustrations over inflated bills,” Ijose said. “We encourage residents to cooperate with BEDC and report any issues they encounter, rather than engaging in conflicts with utility companies.”
Residents Welcome the Initiative
The launch of the metering program was well-received by residents, many of whom have long complained about unfair billing practices. One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Olukayode Babatunde, expressed gratitude to the state government for the initiative, noting that it would have a positive impact on the community.
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“This program will greatly improve our standard of living and promote business growth in the state,” Babatunde remarked. “For years, we’ve been struggling with inflated bills that don’t reflect our actual energy use. This initiative brings much-needed relief.”
As the O’Datiwa Meter program rolls out across the state, residents are hopeful that this marks the beginning of a new era of transparent, fair, and efficient electricity supply in Ondo State.
Governor Aiyedatiwa concluded the event by reiterating his administration’s commitment to transforming the power sector, ensuring that all communities in Ondo State have access to reliable and affordable energy.