The Ondo state government has commenced the distribution of smart electricity meters at affordable prices to the people of the state.
The state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa who disclosed this said the move is part of its strategy to ameliorate the impact of the economic hardship on people of the state.
The governor also gave the DisCos in the state, including Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) the matching order to immediately stop issuing estimated billing to the people of the state.
According to him, the order took effect on June 1, 2024, and all power service providers in the state were instructed to ensure all their customers were provided with meters.
The governor who gave the order through Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau [SERB] on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, said the distribution of the smart meters will commence on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
The mass metering programme is in compliance with the Ondo State
Electric Power Sector Law 2020 Part XII Section 77 (2)(a).
Speaking on the development, the state Coordinator of SERB, Engr. Stephen Bolawole, said all the DisCos are expected to meter all the facilities within 12 months with effect from June 1, 2024.
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The Order stated that the DisCos must give customers who are currently being issued estimated billing priority in the mass metering programme.
However, Aiyedatiwa issued an Order on pricing for ‘O’ DATIWA Meter under the Ondo State Mass Metering Programme (‘O ‘DATIWA OSMMP) Commencement.
The Order is “in pursuant to the powers vested in it under the Ondo State Electric Power Sector Law 2020, specifically Part VIII, Section 67(1)(c), which states: ‘the price to be paid for all services rendered by the agencies created by this law and the mode of payment’ shall be determined by OSERB.”
Reeling out the prices of different categories of meter, OSERB stated that “Pricing of ‘O ‘Datiwa Meters’: Single phase meter is N101,750, three phase meter is N185,000 and Dinrail meter is N78,000, all exclusive of VAT.
“The prices stated above are effective immediately from the date of this order.
“All relevant stakeholders, including electricity distribution companies and consumers within Ondo State, are to comply with the new pricing structure as specified.”
While speaking on the implementation of the Orders, Bolawole said: “DisCos must submit a detailed implementation plan to OSERB within 30 days of the effective date of this Order, outlining their strategy for achieving full metering within the stipulated timeframe.
“BEDC Electricity Plc and other DisCos must integrate the smart meters facilitated by the Ondo State Government through accredited MAPs within six months of the effective date of this Order.
“Failure to do so will result in penalties, including fines and other regulatory actions as deemed appropriate by OSERB.”
Moreover, “OSERB will monitor the implementation of this Order and conduct periodic reviews to ensure compliance and address any emerging issues.
“This Order will be reviewed annually to assess its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.”
