- Announces meter prices
- Issues new orders to BEDC
- Threatens sanction
By Miracle Ogunde
The Ondo State government has facilitated the provision of smart meters for electricity users in the state through the state Electricity Regulatory Bureau, (ODSERB).
The government, ordered Electricity Distribution Companies, (DISCOS), to stop the estimated billing system and integrate the smart meters facilitated by the state government into use.
This was contained in a letter signed by Engr. Stephen Olugbenga Bolawole, Coordinator, Ondo state Electricity Regulatory Bureau, dated 28 May with Order No: OSERB/2024/M/01, sighted by Starnews NG.
According to the letter, the order mandating metering of electricity consumers by the Distribution companies operating in Ondo state shall take effect on June 1, 2024.
The letter titled, ‘BEFORE THE ONDO STATE ELECTRICITY REGULATORY BUREAU ORDER ON MANDATORY METERING OF ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS BY ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES OPERATING IN ONDO STATE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE ONDO STATE ELECTRIC POWER SECTOR LAW 2020 PART XII SECTION 7 (2)(a)’ states that “This regulatory instrument may be cited as the Order on mandatory metering of electricity consumers by electricity distribution companies operating in Ondo state.
According to the letter, “This Order takes effect on June 1, 2024, issued this 28th day of May, 2024, by the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau.”
Stating the purpose of the letter, ODSERB Coordinator stressed that the “Order is issued by the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSTRB) pursuant to the powers vested in it under the Ondo State Electric Power Sector Law 2020, specifically Part XI. Section 77(2)(a), which states: “Metering shall be mandatory within areas covered by a national grid system in the state” This Order ensures the efficient, reliable, and fair distribution of electricity to consumers within Ondo State by mandating all Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to provide metering for all electricity consumers, thereby eliminating estimated billing practices and enhancing transparency and accountability.
“This Order applies to all Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) operating within Ondo State. including but not limited to:
– Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
– Any other DisCo licensed to operate within Ondo State.”
The order mandated the distribution companies to provide meters to electricity consumers in the state, saying “All DisCos must ensure that every electricity consumer within their service area is provided with a functional and accurate meter in compliance with Part XII, Section 77(2)(a) of the Ondo State Electric Power Sector Law 2020.”
It further stated that “DisCos must complete the installation of meters for all unmetered consumers within 12 months from the effective date of this Order.
“Priority must be given to consumers currently on estimated billing systems, ensuring that they are metered as a matter of urgency,” it added.
Furthermore, the government also mandated the distribution companies to integrate the smart facilitated by the state government into their systems in order to make them fully operational and to record electricity consumption.
“BEDC must integrate the smart meters facilitated by the Ondo State Government through accredited Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) into their system.
“The integration must ensure that these smart meters are fully operational and capable of accurately recording electricity consumption.
Starnews NG reports that the government emphasized the metering Standards and Specifications, stating that “All meters provided must comply with the standards set by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and any additional specifications set by OSERB.
“Meters must be capable of accurately recording electricity consumption and providing clear and accessible readings to consumers.
Likewise the DISCOS are mandated to install the meters and ensure their regular maintenance for consumers’ usage.
“DisCos are responsible for the installation, testing, and maintenance of meters at no additional cost to the consumers, as stipulated by the Ondo State Electric Power Sector Law 2020.
“Any meter found to be faulty or inaccurate must be repaired or replaced by the DisCo within 10 business days of notification by the consumer,” it said.
It mandated electricity consumers to “allow DisCo representatives access to their premises for the purpose of meter installation, maintenance, and reading and must report any meter malfunctions or irregularities to the DisCo promptly.”
It also ordered the DisCos to “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 time frame”, adding that they must “provide quarterly progress reports to OSTRB detailing the number of meters installed, areas covered, and any challenges encountered.”
On the timeline given for the integration of the meters, the government said “BEDC 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”, stressing that “Failure to do so will result in penalties, including lines and other regulatory actions as deemed appropriate by OSERB.”
The state Electricity Regulatory board is charged to “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, it added.
Moreover, the prices of the meters as released by the Ondo State government are listed below:
Single Phase Meter:
Price: 101,750 Naira (Exclusive of VAT)
Three Phase Meter:
Price: 185,000 Naira (Exclusive of VAT)
Dinrail Meter:
Price: 78,000 Naira (Exclusive of VAT)
According to the government, “the prices stated above are effective from the date of this order”, emphasizing that “All relevant stakeholders, including electricity distribution companies and consumers within Ondo State, are to comply with the new pricing structure as specified.
Similarly, the monthly payment for the meters is over 36 months, Starnews NG learnt.
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