Ekiti State Government has officially licensed 14 Electricity Vendors as part of efforts aimed at ensuring adequate electricity generation, distribution as well as provision of electricity meters to electricity consumers in the State.

Addressing electricity investors and other Stakeholders at the ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Mobolaji Aluko said that the Ekiti State Government was at the forefront in the quest for States of the Federation to exercise their full powers under the Electricity Law Enactments of 2023, both federal and state, that permit the decentralization of Nigeria Electricity Market and granting States in Nigeria the powers to register Electricity providers and investors to generate adequate Electricity in their states.

He said that the licensing of the 14 electricity investors would ensure that the electricity investors would be permitted to embark on electricity generation, distribution establishment of Mini grids and provision of meters for electricity consumers in the State

Aluko stated that this step was expected to address the issue of serious shortfall in the electricity supply to the State noting that while Ekiti requires about 120 megawatt of electricity, it currently receives a total of 20-25 megawatts from both the 132/33 KVA at Omisajana Substation in Ado-Ekiti and the Omuaran feeder line in Kwara State .

He urged stakeholders and electricity consumers to be vigilant and take proactive steps to protect electricity cables and other power installations in their areas from vandalism, theft and meter bypassing.

In his remarks, the Technical Adviser on Lower Infrastructure to Governor Biodun Oyebanji’, Engr Philips Atere, described the move as a milestone in the effort towards finding a lasting solution to inadequate electricity supply to Ekiti State.
He commended the vendors for their interest to invest in Ekiti State and assured them that Ekiti people were ready to pay for the electricity they consume.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (EKSERB) Engr. David Dare Samson, sought for collaborative efforts among stakeholders towards ensuring a successful service delivery of Electricity supply to the State.

He disclosed that three of the licensed Electricity Investors are Distribution Companies, four are Generation Companies, two are minigrid generation companies while five are Meter Assets Providers.

Also speaking, the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti and Chairman the Council of Traditional Rulers in Ekiti State, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro who was represented by the Olusi of Usi, Oba. Adebayo Akande described Electricity as a catalyst for development expressing hope that Government’s latest efforts would boost electricity supply and also boost the economy of the state.

• Ekiti Govt Restates Commitment to Tackle Land Grabbing, Encroachment in Communities
• FG SET TO ESTABLISH PILOT SOIL ASSESSMENT LABORATORY IN IDO/OSI LGA OF EKITI STATE.
• METHODIST BISHOP HAILS OYEBANJI’S DEVELOPMENTAL STRIDES.
• Ekiti Govt ‘II Provide Affordable Commercial Buildings for Businessmen, Industrialists – Oyebanji
• Ekiti Agric Perm Sec, Ojo Stresses Importance of New L-PRES Extension Manual

He appreciated this present administration under the leadership of Biodun Abayomi for his ongoing reforms in the State’s electricity sector.

In his remarks on behalf of all new distribution licencees, the Managing Director/CEO of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Mr Deolu Ijose appreciated all the efforts and contributions of Governor Oyebanji and the EKSG electricity team to the energy sector in Ekiti.

Representative of other vendor groups who spoke paid glowing tributes to EKSG for the journey so far, and pledged full cooperation.