Aiyedatiwa Takes Bold Steps To End 13-Year Energy Monopoly of BEDC in Ondo

AKURE, ONDO STATE – In a groundbreaking move to alleviate decades of energy poverty, the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has officially licensed Ore Power Limited and ASB Valiant Electricity Limited to commence independent generation and distribution of electricity in Ondo South.

This initiative, facilitated by the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB), signifies the end of what has been termed “procedural promises” and heralds the dawn of a decentralised energy era for the people of Ondo State.

For years, residents of Ondo South have endured the alleged systemic failures and the controversial mass disconnections imposed by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). Advocacy groups, notably the “Bring Back Our Light” (BBOL) led by Pastor Olumide Akinrinlola, have long campaigned for a viable alternative to the unreliable energy supply. Today, that alternative has finally arrived.

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has effectively shifted the “switch” of energy management from Abuja to Akure by operationalising the Electricity Act of 2023. This strategic move empowers Ondo State to take control of its electricity market. Key pillars of the reform are set to bring transformative changes to the energy landscape:

100MW Boost: Ore Power Limited is poised to inject 100MW of electricity into the grid, specifically aimed at stabilising the industrial Ore axis in the southern part of the state, which has long suffered from inadequate power supply.

Infrastructure Expansion: ASB Valiant Electricity Limited is fast-tracking the development of an 18-kilometre Omotoso–Ore 33KV double-circuit line, ensuring that electricity effectively reaches the doorsteps of end-users.

The End of Estimated Billing: Through the subsidised “O’ Datiwa Meter” programme, the administration is set to eliminate estimated billing practices, replacing “guesswork” with transparency and ensuring that residents only pay for the electricity they actually consume.

This transition represents more than just a policy shift; it is an economic rescue mission aimed at revitalising Ondo South. As the administration embarks on this transformative journey, there are calls to maintain the aggressive pace of implementation.

With this blueprint, Ondo State is no longer waiting for the national grid— it is actively building its own, paving the way for a brighter, more reliable energy future for its residents.