Oshiomhole flays arbitrary electricity charges

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday criticised the arbitrary energy tariff and fixed charges by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

Oshiomhole spoke in Benin at a tripartite meeting between the government, civil society groups and management of BEDC.

He said that irrespective of who generates tariff or distributes energy, the fixed tariff and estimated charges by the BEDC were ‘irresponsible and exploitative’ to consumers.

The governor said that the essence of privatisation was for an increase in entrepreneurial efficiency.

He said: “You (BEDC) will recall that the first day I formally received you in my office, I made some factual statements that the essence of privatisation was the increase in entrepreneurial efficiency.

“I think I also mentioned that now that the federal government had hands-off NEPA or PHCN, it was incumbent that you improve on your service delivery to consumers, failure of which would spark revolt.”

He urged the management of BEDC to invite officials of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to his office within two weeks for further deliberations just as he directed the Distribution company (Disco) to stop the disconnection of consumers in the interim.