- Managing director of BEDC identified meter bypassing as a significant challenge for the company.
- The power minister criticized the high energy theft rate in the country and pledged to sponsor bills at the national assembly to combat it.
Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power has directed the publication of names of debtors owing outstanding electricity bills to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
Adelabu, on an inspection tour of power projects in Edo, issued a directive during a meeting with BEDC management in Benin.
“There is nothing wrong with publishing the names of the company’s debtors” because electricity supply is not free,” he said.
“The BEDC needs money to remain in business and serve its customers well.
“I will not stop you from disconnecting organizations or individuals owing.
“I am also not going to stop you from publishing the names of the debtors. Nigerians need to know the truth.
“If you want to publish the names of those owing, you can go ahead and do so.”
The minister criticised the high energy theft rate in the country and pledged to sponsor bills at the national assembly to combat it.
He also assured Tinubu of his commitment to improving power supply and promised to complete all existing projects before awarding new ones.
“Meter bypassing is making this company to run at a loss,” Adelabu said.
Deolu Ijose, managing director of BEDC identified meter bypassing as a significant challenge for the company.
However, Ijose said the company had connected many communities to the national grid and provided feeders in its franchise states.