Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured residents that his administration is intensifying efforts to ensure regular and improved electricity supply across the state.
Aiyedatiwa spoke on Monday while interacting with journalists as part of activities marking the ongoing 50th anniversary celebration of Ondo State.
His assurance comes amid the recent transfer of the electricity regulatory authority by the Federal Government to some states, including Ondo, Enugu, Ekiti and Imo, a move that empowers states to issue licences to private investors to operate mini-grids and power plants, thereby encouraging competition and improving electricity supply.
The governor said the state was taking full advantage of the opportunity to independently regulate electricity distribution for the benefit of residents.
According to him, the administration is currently focusing on strengthening regulation, improving distribution and collaborating with existing power distribution companies to enhance electricity supply in the state.
He said, “Yes, we are not generating power for now, but in terms of regulation and distribution, we are very active. We have been doing a lot in that sector.
“You can see that all the DISCOs operating in Ondo State, we are working together with them.
“We have the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Commission. We regulate and interface with them, so we are in charge of our own electricity.”
Speaking on efforts to curb estimated billing, Aiyedatiwa highlighted the introduction of the ‘O’ Datiwa Meter’ initiative, describing it as a key intervention aimed at promoting transparency and fairness in electricity charges.
He said, “Don’t forget the O’ Datiwa meter that we took up when they were giving crazy bills to our people. We had to take it upon ourselves to subsidise the distribution of meters to our people.”
The governor added that electricity supply had become more stable in some parts of the state since his administration assumed office, attributing the improvement to sustained engagement with power distribution companies.
He stated, “If you look at it, electricity has been very, very constant in some parts of Ondo State since we came on board. It is because of the engagement we have been having with the distribution company.”
While acknowledging that electricity tariffs remain high for many residents, Aiyedatiwa expressed optimism that costs would reduce over time as the system improves.
He said, “Over time, just like when GSM started, it was expensive, but today it is cheap. It is the same thing.
“So, with time, we are going to improve on our administration, and then it becomes cheaper for all.”
This is coming days after the governor promised that the deep seaport proposed for the state will be delivered before the end of his administration.
The seaport project was approved by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and recently had its licence revalidated by the Federal Government.
punch.ng
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