Edo State Commissioner for Power, Paul Usenbor, has said that the meters released by the Federal Government for free distribution to electricity consumers have yet to reach Edo State.

Usenbor said the state government would not allow any irregularities in the distribution of the metres.

Speaking in a telephone chat, Usenbor said investors who have shown interest in investing in the power sector appeared not to be serious-minded.

He said some of the investors were hawking for letters from the state government with which they would seek loans from the bank.

The Edo Commissioner for Power said Governor Monday Okpebholo tasked his Ministry to follow due standard and technicality to ensure those who have the requisite capacity got the license to generate and distribute power in the state.

Usenbor noted that the electricity business was no joking matter.

He said an investor who showed interest in hydro power was currently at the Ojirami dam to do a feasibility study on how to generate power from the dam due to an industrial cluster within that region.

Usenbor said some investors have shown interest in generating power from gas.

We enacted the Electricity law in February 2025, and I have taken deliberate steps to develop an Edo State Power market.

A lot of investors have approached the state, but they are not very serious-minded. Power business is not a joking matter. It is very expensive. Some of them are hawking for letters from the Edo State government to go and use to solicit funds. We want those who have the capacity after we have done due diligence, before we can engage them.”

Usenbor dismissed allegations that power investors were scared of coming to Edo State due to the current challenges being faced by Ossiomo Power.

He said challenges at Ossiom Power were an internal tussle within the structure of their business.

“We are not chasing investors away. Okpebholo did not stop anybody from doing business in the power sector. Ossiomo had issues with their technical partners, the Chinese, and these issues are tied to finances. Okpebholo has mandated that we dive into these issues and give them the needed support to ensure the problem is resolved amicably.”

Speaking on the free metering policy of the federal government, Usenbor said the free metres were yet to arrive in Edo State.

“As we speak, the free metres have not arrived, Edo. We will not accept irregularities in the distribution of free metres.” (The Nation)

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