BEDC Receives 75,000 Free Meters – Says It’s Free for Customers

The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) says it has received 75,000 free prepaid electricity meters from the Federal Government under the ongoing free metering programme, with installation already underway across its four franchise states Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ekiti.

BEDC Managing Director Jonathan Lawani disclosed this at a stakeholders engagement in Benin City on Thursday. He noted that a total of 161,000 meters is expected under the programme, with over 38,000 meters allocated to Edo State’s Benin, Uromi, and Auchi regions.

“We have received 75,000 meters for BEDC for the four states of Ondo, Edo, Delta and Ekiti. The programme will deliver 161,000 meters for BEDC, and installation is ongoing,” Mr Lawani said.

Lawani warned customers not to pay for the meters or their installation, stressing they are provided free of charge under the federal initiative.

He also addressed misconceptions that metered service increases electricity usage, urging customers to report any illegal charges or irregularities.

He further cautioned against electricity theft and tampering, noting that offenders will face sanctions.

In his remarks, Edo State Commissioner for Power, Paul Usenbor, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving electricity supply and announced that the state will establish a meter assembly plant to support infrastructure and service delivery reforms.