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Tag: BEDC

  • BEDC inaugurates Asaba main sub-station

    BEDC inaugurates Asaba main sub-station

    Benin Electricity Distribution plc (BEDC) has opened a new 2X15MVA 33/11Kv Injection sub-station, Asaba mains at Ibusa in Delta State.

    The sub-station, inaugurated by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde  Fashola, came just as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) disclosed that Benin Disco was ranked as best performing Distribution Company, in third quarter of the year.

    In a statement by the firm, BEDC Managing Director, Mrs Funke Osibodu,  said at the inuagura-tion that progress had been recorded through improved power supply to Asaba and neighbour-ing communities, including Ibusa and Ogwashi-Uku, which were recently linked to the national grid.

    She said the opening of the sub-station was a breakthrough as it would improve power supply to industries, industrial clusters and commercial areas (through the construction of dedicated line to guarantee more hours of power supply) as well as residential communities.

    The BEDC boss said customers in Okwe, Akuebulu, Jarret Ogbeofu, Osadebe Way, Okwe Housing Estate, Oduke, New Jerusalem, Malbovil, Paul Owumi, Osalabon, Alunazun-wan and its environs would benefit from the projects, adding that another sub-station at Ibusa is almost completed.

    Fashola said the administration is committed to improving power generation and distribution in the country and that efforts were being put in to that effect.

    He lauded the Delta State Government for partnering BEDC to ensure sustainable power. The minister noted that the progress made in power generation was due to the peace recorded in the Niger Delta, stressing that for the first time both Hydro and gas worked without interruption hence the improvement in power supply across the country.

    At the occasion were the representative of the governor,  Newworld Safugha, Delta State Commisioner for Energy, Minister of State for Power, Hon. Suleiman Hassan Zarma, MD/ CEO National Integrated Power Project, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo, Board and Executive Management of BEDC, monarchs and some key customers in Asaba.

    Meanwhile, BEDC has hosted the 21st power stakeholders meeting held at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) 330/132kv substation, Asaba.

    Mrs Osibodu lauded the proposed Special Anti –Electricity Vandalism squad by the Inspector-General of Police to protect electricity assets and reduce vandalism and theft.

    The Minister noted the progress in power sector with the performance improvements in Transmission Company of Nigeria, including the completion of transmission capacity expansion in Zaria and Funtua to improve transmission capacity.

    He announced the installation of 40MVA mobile transformers in Auchi to be completed soon and an agreement with  the Delta State government, Agip Okpai and communities to install a 330/132Kv substation at Kwale.

    In a related development, Olorunsogo 1 plant emerged the best performing Gas Generating Company, while Jebba was elected the best performing Hydro GenCo, according to NERC.

  • BEDC, Thames Energy, Delta seal 20Mw plant deal

    Efforts at ensuring that over 200 commercial entities in Ozoro Local Government Area of Delta State benefit from power supply have got a boost as the Benin Electricity Distribution Plc (BEDC) signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thames Energy Limited and the Delta State Government on the construction of 20megawatts (Mw) power plant.

    The MoU signing ceremony, which took place at BEDC head office in Benin, Edo State capital, signaled a tripartite partnership that is expected to galvanize the potentials of several commercial entities in addition to rejuvenating the economy of the Isoko people, as well as make the area an economic hub for Delta State.

    BEDC Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, according to a statement from the company, said the company was poised to make the project a reality with a view to improving on the socio-economic development of the Isoko people and Delta State.

    Mrs Osibodu stated that no urban renewal or development would be complete without power supply, adding that BEDC’s involvement in the deal was necessitated by the quest and commitment to improve the quality of life of customers through the provision of reliable and stable electricity supply.

    The firm’s Executive Director, Commercial, Dr. Abu Ejoor, also commended the people of Ozoro for creating a peaceful and friendly environment for the project to take off. He said the project when completed will improve the lots of the people, create jobs, reduce poverty and create enterprise.

    Also, Thames Energy Limited Managing Director, Mr. Akpovi Oyo, assured that the power plant project would be completed within 18 months, saying that power was one of the biggest industries which required tapping into to enable sustenance of the economy.

    According to him, the rationale for the project is to ginger the state to improve the lot of people, create jobs and reduce poverty, explaining that “it is an off-grid project where 20mw of electricity will be installed in the first phase, while the second, third and fourth phases will come be based on demand.

    “In a couple of weeks, a ground breaking ceremony will be held for construction to kick off immediately,” he said, adding that Delta State required five of such power plants in key areas.”

    The Delta State Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Hon. Ilolo Oghenekaro, commended BEDC for its display of professionalism in the packaging of the project, noting that the government was committed to the development of key infrastructure that will improve the economy.

    He said: “You cannot renew any urban centre without critical infrastructure like power, hence the basis for the Delta State Government’s partnership with BEDC and Thames Energy on the project.

    “Power is one of the biggest industries that is emerging out of the 21st industry, which will be bigger than telecoms and there is need to key in into the sector in such a way that it will help everybody. Delta State is willing to provide any form of assistance to make this project a success.”

    He stated that when completed, the project would boost business activities and create jobs, adding that it is a watershed. He expressed hope that the partnership will bear fruit.

    Isoko nation President-General, High Chief Iduh Amadhe praised  BEDC’s commitment to Isoko nation assuring that they will create an enabling environment for the project to succeed.

  • BEDC to reconnect Ondo communities

    Benin Electricity Distribution Plc (BEDC) has urged Ondo State to create industrial layout for energy concentration to enable it boost economic activities, even as it promised to restore power supply to six Akoko communities, under Owo Business Unit of the state.

    Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Funke Osibodu who stated this during a courtesy visit by the Management to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) in Akure disclosed that the company already partnered with the state to boost its economic activity by completing electricity projects numbering 50 out of which 31 had been commissioned, while 17 others were awaiting commissioning.

    The CEO in a statement, said dedicated projects will increase production capacity of industries through the reduction in the cost of power in their operation since BEDC power was cheaper than any alternative, and also added that it will also make them create more jobs for indigenes and enable BEDC make more power available for economic development and job creation in the state.

    Mrs. Osibodu also noted that BEDC community relations department was set up to ensure proper relationship management of all communities within its network of operations. To this end, resolution to make power available to six communities had reach the final stage and the six communities would be energised having fulfilled the terms of the agreement signed.

    She asserted that BEDC has through employment of graduates and technicians of Ondo State origin under its Graduate and Technician Trainee scheme supported youth empowerment with a view to reduce youth restiveness in the state. In addition, the partnership with Elizade University in Ilara Mokin on the Graduate training program has also empowered a university within the state.

    Earlier in her presentation, Chief State Head, Ondo state, Olakunbi Labiyi had listed key challenges on power supply to the state to include; major transmission limitations restricting quantum of power delivery to the state, adding “132KV lines from Oshogbo to Akure with undersized conductor covers Ondo and Ekiti states with maximum power pegged at 50MW, the feeder is often open by TCN under frequency condition and kept out until the frequency improves.”

    She called on the Ondo state government to lend their voice in ensuring FGN through the Ministry of Power quickly completes ongoing National Independent Power Projects (NIPP) with a view to boosting power supply to Ondo state, saying “this includes the Omotosho 1x150MVA and Okitipupa 2X30MVA (to boost supply to the Ondo South) and Ogbese 2X150MVA.”

  • BEDC to reconnect Ondo communities

    BEDC to reconnect Ondo communities

    Benin Electricity Distribution Plc (BEDC) has urged Ondo State government to create industrial layout for energy concentration to enable it boost economic activities even as it promised to restore power supply to six Akoko communities under Owo Business Unit of the state.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, stated this when she led BEDC management on a courtesy visit to Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), in Akure. She said the company already partnered with the state to boost its economic activity by completing 50 electricity projects out of which 31 had been commissioned while 17 others await commissioning.

    She said dedicated projects will increase production capacity of industries due to cost reduction as BEDC power was cheaper than any alternative power supply, adding that it will also make them create more jobs for indigenes. She assured that BEDC will make more power available for economic development and job creation in the state.

    Osibodu also noted that BEDC community relations department was set up to ensure proper relationship management of all communities within its network hence the resolution to make power available to six communities had reached the final stage and the six communities would be energised having fulfilled the terms of the agreement signed.

    The BEDC chief urged the state government and other stakeholders to join in the crusade against vandalism of the company’s property, adding that BEDC has taken some steps such as fencing of transformers to prevent destruction by vandals.

    She stated that BEDC has through employment of graduates and technicians of Ondo State origin under its Graduate and Technician Trainee scheme supported youth empowerment with a view to reducing youth restiveness in the state. In addition, the partnership with Elizade University in Ilara Mokin on the graduate training programme has also empowered a university within the state.

    Osibodu also called on the governor to ensure that that there was review in the curriculum of tertiary institutions in Ondo State such as university, polytechnics and technical colleges to make their content align with industries and companies’ requirements so as to make it easier for students to use when employed.

    Chief State Head, Ondo State, Olakunbi Labiyi, listed key challenges in power supply to the state to include major transmission limitations restricting quantum of power delivery to the state. He said the “132KV lines from Oshogbo to Akure with undersized conductor covers Ondo and Ekiti States with maximum power pegged at 50 megawatts (Mw), while the feeder is often open by Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) under frequency condition and kept out until the frequency improves.”

    He called for the quick replacement of failed 60MVA power transformer in Akure TCN, and urged the government to intervene and ensure speedy completion of the on-going 330/132/33k transformer under construction along Akure/Owo Road.

  • BEDC restores power in Akoko 14 months after blackout

    There was jubilation yesterday at Akoko in Ondo State, following the restoration of power supply to the area after over one year blackout.

    It was learnt many artisans, who depended on electricity to do their jobs, had relocated to neighbouring states and towns.

    Some were said to have abandoned their trades for farming to survive.

    Residents of the communities, particularly youths at Arigidi-Akoko, Olokun, Agbaluku, Imo and Arigidi-Oja, reportedly trooped out in excitement.

    Other towns, such as Ibaram, Iyani, Ikaram and Gedegede, were also illuminated by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

    Sources said Ikare-Akoko, Oka, Isua and others, would soon be reconnected by the distribution company.

    Reactions have trailed what the residents called BEDC’s selective reconnection of electricity to the benefitting communities.

    A community leader at Ikaram-Akoko, Sheikh Basiru Aminu, noted that the restoration of power supply would bring life to the affected communities and boost their economies.

    Aminu urged the residents to promptly pay their bills and avoid confrontation with BEDC officials, adding that electricity consumers deserved efficient service delivery for their money.

    Another community leader whose area had been deprived of power supply for two years at Afin Akoko, Alhaji Ibrahim Kilani, regretted the “selective reconnection” of power supply in Akoko land.

     

  • BEDC to publish supply schedule

    Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Plc is to publish power availability schedule for customers in its franchise areas of Edo and Delta states soon.

    This is coming on the heels of the prevailing electricity generation limitations affecting many Nigerians.

    Its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, said the power availability schedule became necessary to enable customers predict when electricity would be supplied or interrupted and restored and, thus, enable them plan their activities.

    She said: “It has become necessary to undertake programming for customers of BEDC in order to improve our services to them. They, however, should note that load shedding time may sometimes vary due to changes in generation, technical challenges and other unforeseen events beyond our control. This will first be published for Edo and Delta states and after perfecting this, similar publication will be done for Ondo and Ekiti states.”

    Mrs. Osibodu at a media briefing in Benin, Edo state capital,  said the firm was fine-tuning the schedule, with a view to starting its implementation soon.

    According to her, the load management schedule was prepared based on the roaster submitted by each of the company’s 24 business units, while codes have been assigned to each 11KV feeder emanating from injection substations that feed specific areas in the four states.

    She said in Edo,  for instance, the BEDC was creating conducive environment for companies to grow by balancing the power given to both residential, communities and industrial locations, adding that the idea would enable industrial concerns reduce cost of production, drive economic growth and create jobs for the unemployed youths in the area.

    This, she said, is in addition to the efforts of the firm to subsidise electricity being supplied to customers in the state.

    On Concept Route Marshall, she said the initiative was borne out of the need to enhance customer relations and improve the company’s commercial field operations.

    “A route is defined as collection of customers in certain transformers in some particular route(s) which the assigned officers will be expected to manage and ensure customers on it are properly managed/served.

  • BEDC to publish supply schedule

    Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Plc is to publish power availability schedule for customers in its franchise areas of Edo and Delta states soon.

    This is coming on the heels of the prevailing electricity generation limitations, which is affecting many Nigerians.

    Its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, said the power availability schedule became necessary to enable customers predict when electricity would be supplied or interrupted and restored and, thus, enable them plan their activities around the schedule.

    She said: “It has become necessary to undertake programme for customers of BEDC in order to improve our services to them. They however should note that load shedding time may sometimes vary due to changes in generation, technical challenges and other unforeseen events beyond our control. This will first be published for Edo and Delta states and after perfecting this, similar publication will be done for Ondo and Ekiti states”.

    At a media briefing in Benin, Edo state capital, Mrs. Osibodu said the firm was fine-tuning the schedule, with a view to starting its implementation soon.

    According to her, the load management schedule was prepared based on the roaster submitted by each of the company’s 24 business units, while codes have been assigned to each 11KV feeder emanating from injection substations that feed specific areas in the four states.

    She said in Edo  for instance, BEDC was creating conducive environment for companies to grow by balancing power given to both residential, communities and industrial locations, adding that the idea would enable industrial concerns reduce cost of production, drive economic growth and also create jobs for the unemployed youths in the area.

    This, she said, is in addition to the efforts of the firm to subsidise electricity it  is supplying  residential customers in the state.

    On Concept Route Marshall, she said the initiative was borne out of the need to enhance customer relations and improve the company’s commercial field operations.

    “A route is defined as collection of customers in certain transformers in some particular route(s) which the assigned officers will be expected to manage and ensure customers on it are properly managed/served. This includes bringing into the company records of all consumers that may have been connected illegally to the company’s network.

    Also, the Executive Director, Commercial, Mr. Abu Ejoor, said since take-over on November 1, 2013, BEDC had metered over 150,000 customers, increased injection sub-stations from 38 to 64, added several distribution transformers into its network and also upgraded its 33KV feeders. He assured customers of improved power supply through off-grid arrangement with Independent Power Plants (IPPs).

    On vandalism, BEDC Safety Manager, Mr. Gilbert Nweke said BEDC has commenced fencing of its distribution sub stations with transparent wire gauze, fixing signage to warn people against trespass and giving support to Police and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrest and prosecute vandals. To curtail meter bypass, hanging of wires and tampering with BEDC equipment/installations, Nweke said pole-mounted meters and High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS) and constant monitoring of meters were being done.

  • BEDC to publish power schedule

    In view of prevailing electricity generation limitations nationwide, the Benin Electricity Distribution (BEDC) Plc will soon begin the publication of power availability schedule for customers in its franchise areas of Edo and Delta states.

    Its Managing Director/Chief Executive officer (CEO), Mrs. Funke Osibodu disclosed this at a meeting with journalists at the weekend in Benin.

    She said the power availability schedule became necessary to enable customers predict when electricity would be supplied or interrupted and restored and thus enable them plan their activities.

    “It has become necessary to undertake programme for customers of BEDC in order to improve our services to customer. They however should note that load shedding time may sometimes vary due to changes in generation, technical challenges and other unforeseen events beyond our control. This will first be published for Edo and Delta State and after perfecting this, similar publication will be done for Ondo and Ekiti State” she stated.

    The BEDC boss said the schedule was being given final shape before the advertisement will be published in leading newspapers when the implementation commences.

  • BEDC laments rejection of pre-paid meters

    The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has said that it was worrisome for electricity consumers to reject installation of the new pre-paid meters.

    It said the new pre-paid meters were introduced to check power theft.

    Managing Director of BEDC, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, who disclosed this at a media parley in Benin City stated that many consumers were rejecting the new pre-paid meters because power theft was easier with the use of the old pre-paid meter.

    Mrs. Osibodu noted that several persons have been arrested and being prosecuted for power theft in Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states

    According to him, “People are rejecting the new meters. They believe they cannot compromise the meters because we are placing them on the electric poles.

    “A lot of power theft is happening on pre-paid meters. There is lesse theft on post-paid meter. We have had several sensitization meeting but the people are resisting installations of the meter.”

    Mrs. Osibodu stated that the firm was ready to sustain 12 hours supply of electricity to its consumers if conducive and friendly environment was provided for them to operate.

  • BEDC to restore power to Ondo communities

    BEDC to restore power to Ondo communities

    The management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) yesterday promised to restore power supply to six Ondo State communities that have been in darkness for years.
    The affected communities are in the four local government areas in Akoko land.
    The news came after Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) said the residents suffered pains and losses because of constant outages.
    Akeredolu recalled that during his meeting with the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), many communities in the Southern and Northern senatorial districts of the state were in darkness.
    The governor told the BEDC management the company would make more money if it restored power to communities that had been disconnected.
    The governor’s empathy with the people over the power situation prompted a positive response from BEDC management.
    The electricity distribution company, led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, promised to restore power to the affected communities.
    She said though power supply from the national grid was not enough, the communities were disconnected because of the perceived attacks on the company’s workers.
    The BEDC chief decried recurring vandalism of the company’s property.
    Mrs Osibodu urged the state government and other stakeholders to join in the fight against vandalism of the company’s property and other public utilities.
    According to her, BEDC has taken some steps, such as fencing its transformers, to prevent destruction by vandals.
    Akeredolu said over half of the state had been in darkness for years.
    He urged the power distribution company to be fair to its consumers and replace aging facilities.