By Fatima Muraina
The Ondo State Government has disclosed plans to begin enforcement actions against households without electricity meters within the next few weeks as part of efforts to end estimated billing and achieve full metering across the state.
The state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral resources. Engr. Johnson Alabi, made this known in an interview with THE HOPE, while explaining ongoing reforms in the state’s electricity sector and the implementation of various metering initiatives.
Alabi informed that residents currently relying on estimated billing have been given sufficient opportunity to obtain meters through both the Federal Government-backed free metering programme and the Ondo State government’s ‘Odatiwa Meter’ initiative.
He said, “We have done extensive publicity and meters are available. Very soon, anyone without a meter may face enforcement actions by the state government. Paying estimated bills is not economical.”
The commissioner revealed that the enforcement exercise could commence within weeks once the government is satisfied that residents have had adequate access to metering opportunities.
The state government stressed that the move is aimed at improving accountability in electricity consumption, reducing disputes over estimated billing and creating a more transparent power sector, capable of attracting private investment.
He averred that proper metering remains critical to ongoing energy sector reforms in Ondo State.
He added, “Investors are more willing to invest in electricity when they are sure there is accountability through metering.
“Without meters, it becomes difficult to guarantee returns on investment.
The government also clarified that the ongoing installation of meters in many homes by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, is part of a Federal Government metering initiative designed to provide meters to consumers at no cost.
He enthused, “The meter is supposed to be completely free. Nobody is expected to pay for it.”
The commissioner condemned reports that some residents were allegedly charged illegal fees during installation.
He, however, acknowledged that some individuals involved in the process may be exploiting residents under the guise of collecting outstanding electricity debts.
Speaking on the state-owned ‘Odatiwa Meter’ programme, the commissioner explained that the initiative serves as an alternative for residents who are unable to secure metres under the Federal Government free metre scheme.
Alabi insisted that“Odatiwa Meter is available as an alternative for residents who are unable to get meters through the Federal Government initiative. Our goal is to ensure every home in Ondo State is properly metered.”
The government further noted that both the Federal Government meters and Odatiwa meters perform the same function despite being produced by different manufacturers.
As part of broader electricity reforms, the Ondo State Government also disclosed that it has taken over a feeder line around the Omotosho axis previously managed by BEDC and is preparing to begin selling its own electricity through the facility.
He assured residents and investors that the state remains committed to improving electricity supply and creating an enabling environment for energy sector investments.
He added, “Ondo State is becoming a major hub for energy business. We are committed to providing an enabling environment and protecting investors’ interests.”
Speaking on the development, beneficiaries of the Federal Government meter scheme in the Oke Ogba and Kajola areas alleged that they were charged ₦40,000, before the meters were installed for them.
They explained that ₦15,000 would be credited to their electricity accounts, while ₦25,000 was charged for the installation.
Also, in some parts of Akure metropolis around Investment House, close to the NEPA office, some of the newly installed meters were reportedly provided at no cost.
A woman who spoke with THE HOPE said she returned to discover that a meter had already been installed in front of her shop, despite not requesting one.
She said, “I came and saw a meter installed in front of my shop. I do not know who installed it.”