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As part of measures to justify and recoup the cost expended on electricity transformers, poles and cables in various communities across the state, Ogun State House Assembly has directed Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to compensate energy customers with a non-billing period, ranging from six months to one year.
According to the State House of Assembly, the moratorium became imperative since the management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has failed in its responsibility to provide electricity wiring and distribution facilities through which energy is transmitted and distributed to serve consumers across the state.
Passing a resolution entitled, “H.R. No 057/2016 – Granting of Incentives to Energy Consumers for Provision and Energizing of Transformers”, the Committee of the Whole House called on “IBEDC to give a non-billing period ranging from six months to one year to encourage Community Development Associations (CDAs) and individuals who have provided and energized transformers which the DISCO ought to have provided in the communities.”
The Lawmakers argued in separate contributions to the resolution on Thursday that it had become imperative for the Electricity Distribution Company to grant incentives to energy consumers for their efforts in providing and energizing transformers and other energy distribution materials.
Opening debate on the motion, Adeyinka Mafe, the Majority leader, said that “the resolution became imperative as numbers of communities pooling resources together to procure transformers, distribution poles, cables and other equipment towards getting connected to the national grid, are now on the increase.”
Mafe, in a unison with other honourable colleagues posited that the step would allow a period of moratorium for the affected communities towards heaving a sigh of relief before commencing payments of bills, noting that this would encourage communities to embark on more developmental projects, thereby complementing government efforts at providing social amenities for the people.
On their parts, Deputy Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, as well as Olayiwola Ojodu, Idowu Olowofuja and Akinpelu Aina, lamented the epileptic power supply across the State, stressing that the resolution was a step in the right direction as there was need for DISCO to improve on power supply.
Meanwhile, an effort of our Correspondent to get reaction from Angela Olanrenwaju, Public Relations Officer of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) proved abortive as calls and text message sent to her phone number on Sundayattracted no response as of the time filing this report.
RAZAQ AYINLA, Abeokuta
