Tackling the long-standing issue of estimated billing, the Edo State Government, in collaboration with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), is set to provide meters to about 500,000 homes across the state. The announcement, made by the Commissioner for Mining, Energy, Oil, and Gas, Enaholo Ojiefo, on Saturday, outlines a plan that will kick off on August 13.
After signing a Memorandum of Understanding with BEDC management, Ojiefo emphasized that this initiative is designed to ensure that every household in the state receives accurate electricity billing. The project will span all three senatorial districts, bringing much-needed relief to residents who have long suffered from the financial strain of estimated billing.
The Commissioner explained that each home will be fitted with a government-subsidized meter, which also comes with insurance coverage. Subscribers are expected to receive their meters within 10 days of making payment, which can be accessed through a payment portal that goes live on August 14.
According to Ojiefo, “The Edo State Government, in collaboration with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, will distribute meters to approximately 500,000 homes in the state. The exercise will begin on 13 August to eliminate the problem of estimated billing, and the project will cover all three senatorial districts.”
This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to improve the quality of life for its citizens by ensuring that electricity consumers pay only for what they use. As the state takes this significant step towards better energy management, residents are hopeful that this will mark the end of the notorious estimated billing system that has plagued them for years.
