Ondo State Government frowns at BEDC, declares Ondo South electricity distribution open to new investors
_…as Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy, Engr. Alabi announces comprehensive Reform Action Plan for the district_
Press Release
In a significant step towards improving electricity infrastructure and supply, the Special Adviser on Energy has announced a comprehensive Business Enabling Reform Action Plan specifically focused on the Ondo South Senatorial District. This initiative aligns with the declaration of Ondo South as an unserved area, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing the region’s electricity
Challenges.
Background and Justification:
For years Ondo South has had no grid electricity which has stifled development, economic activities and agitations of various kinds in the region due to this, the state government has been engaging with various stakeholders on the way forward.
On May 4, 2023, the Ondo South Senatorial District was declared an unserved area in accordance with the Ondo State Power Sector Law (OSEPSL) 2020 PART II Section 7 (p). This declaration was based on the Disco’s non-compliance with established conditions for adequate electricity supply. It was identified that four Local Government Areas within Ondo South—Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, and Ese-Odo— be declared as unserved areas. This pronouncement is critical for guiding interventions and developing independent electricity distribution networks.
After the completion of the Ode-erinje Transmission Sub Station, it was expected that the situation would improve but it was found that the two out of the four local governments that should have benefited immediately from this project are still lacking not because there is no power to feed the people but because the Disco is not ready to build the necessary infrastructure to distribute the power. By this extension, the Governor of Ondo state His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa has directed the Ondo State Power Company to wade into how to end the crisis of having to involve consumers in payment for damaged infrastructure, which is illegal by the Ondo State Electricity power sector law 2020(OSEPL).
Consequently, the identified four Local Government Areas within Ondo South—Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, and Ese-Odo—areas that had previously been declared unserved will be opened to any investors to bid for distribution and subsequent licensing.
The Ondo State Government will henceforth not condone any act that is unlawful by any Disco operating within her territory.
By this announcement, the Disco currently operating in this four (4) Local Government are to immediately report to the Ondo State Electricity regulatory Bureau for further instruction.
Engr. Alabi Johnson
Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy
