Ekiti State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, has said that the State is ready to partner and support any credible investor willing to supply electricity to Ekiti.
The Commissioner made the assertion while receiving the newly constituted management team of Ekiti Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (EEDCL), the unbundled subsidiary of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), in his office in Ado Ekiti.
He advised the company to take advantage of the 2023 Electricity Constitutional Amendment Act and Ekiti Electricity Sector Reform Law to make positive inroad into the Ekiti Electricity Supply Industry, assuring that the market is open for every electricity service provider.
Aluko also suggested that the company can make use of renewable energy to provide electricity to critical government facilities, such as: Water Dams, the Agriculture Processing Zone and Ekiti Knowledge Zone, or in the expansion of the CNG-based Ekiti IPP.
He recalled that the State Electricity Regulatory Bureau had issued three orders to guide electricity investors in the state, which include: Order on Mandatory Metering to ensure accurate and fair metering of electricity consumption;
Order on Tariffs meant to regulate electricity tariffs, with a methodology maintained in line with the Federal Government’s tariff calculation (MYTO) as well as Order on Electrical Standardization meant to maintain standardization in electrical installations and equipment nationwide.
The Commissioner highlighted areas of coverage meant for the Ekiti Electricity Distribution Company (EEDCL) to supply electricity to be three local government areas,Ijero Efon and Ekiti West, via Ilesa Transmission Substation, and Otun, Ilejemeje, Oye and Ikole via Omuaran TSS.
He urged the company to do more to expand its services.
In his remarks at the event,the Executive Secretary of the Electricity Regulatory Bureau, Engr David Dare Samson, appreciated the company for being proactive since it came on board, he thereafter advised the company to improve on the quantum of energy given to Ekiti State, noting that, Ekiti people are ready to pay for electricity usage.
He also encouraged the Company to accurately ascertain its asset inventory and customer database, and to make sure that every one of its customers is metered for proper energy accountability.
Responding ,the Chief Operating Officer of Ekiti Electricity Distribution Company, Mr. Emeka Ngwoke, thanked the State Government for licensing the company.
He promised that the company would extend its networks where necessary to improve electricity supply in the state.