The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has dispelled the rumours of its suspension in Ondo South Senatorial District (OSSD), assuring its customers in the region of continuous service.
Mr Jonathan Lawani, Chief Technical Officer of the company, stated this while speaking with newsmen on Wednesday in Benin.
Lawani was reacting to information on social media that the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau had licensed an independent power distribution company and suspended BEDC’s operations.
Lawani, an engineer, said the company remained operational and dedicated to provide electricity to its customers in the area.
“On the social media space, we have seen a claim that the regulator in Ondo state has licensed a new electricity distribution company known as independent electricity network to be the sole electricity distributor within that region.
“We want to say that is not the problem of the BEDC. We are not perturbed; the Electricity Act has made it possible for other investors to come and become competitive.
“We welcome competition to work better for the people.
“However, what baffles us is a claim that BEDC has been suspended from operating within that region.
“We want to assure our customers in the OSSD area, particularly in Okitipupa and its environs that BEDC is still in operation there, “he said.
According to him, nobody has asked us to leave. The state government can bring in any operator. But any such net licensee must know that it must build its own network
“It is also important for us to inform our customers in OSSD that BEDC has improved its network in the area.
“For now, we have seven number 11KVA feeders in OSSD. We have established a full business office in Okitipupa and we have over 48 substations within the Okitipupa transmission station.
“Our customers should be assured that BEDC has not been suspended from operating in the area.
“If that happens, the government will communicate to us, and we shall take it up with the regulators and the existing laws,” he said.
The chief technical officer warned the new licensee never to intrude on the BEDC’s network in the area.
“We have not been suspended. Our network is not for sale. We own it, we operate it, and we are committed to providing the best service to our customers,” he stated.
Lawani explained that any alliance talks with other companies would be on mutually beneficial terms, not a handover of their network.
“We are open to collaborations that will benefit our customers and improve our services, but we will not compromise our ownership and control of our network,” he said.
BEDC’s network, he said, was a valuable asset, built over years of investment and hard work.
According to him, the company is committed to providing excellent service to its customers. (NAN).
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