By USMAN ALIYU

The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has attributed the worsening electricity supply across its franchise states, including Edo, to reduced power allocation from the national grid.

The company’s spokesperson, Mrs Evelyn Gbiwen, who said this in a statement on Thursday in Benin, noted that the outages and load shedding were beyond the control of the company.

She acknowledged that the supply constraints had affected households, businesses, healthcare facilities and socio-economic activities, but said the situation was not a deliberate action by the distribution company.

“The present outage and load shedding being experienced are not deliberate actions by BEDC, but a direct consequence of power allocation from the national grid,” Gbiwen said.

She explained that the company had experienced a significant reduction in electricity allocation from the national grid.

Gbiwen said this had forced the company to implement load management measures in line with service level agreements across customer bands.

According to her, the situation was not peculiar to the BEDC’s franchise areas, but reflected a nationwide supply challenge affecting electricity distribution companies.

“The current supply challenge is a national phenomenon affecting distribution companies nationwide, arising from grid constraints beyond the control of BEDC,” she said.

Gbiwen also dismissed claims that Edo was being deliberately targeted for poor supply, noting that the state historically received a substantial share of the company’s daily energy allocation.

“Contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the situation is not targeted at oppressing our esteemed customers in Edo or any part of our network.

“Historically and presently, Edo accounts for a large portion of BEDC’s total daily energy allocation,” she said.

She said the company was collaborating with relevant stakeholders to improve supply and minimise disruptions.

She added that the BEDC was intensifying its metering rollout to eliminate estimated billing and enhance transparency.

“As part of our commitment to service improvement and transparency, the company continues to intensify its metering drive to eliminate estimated billing and enhance customer confidence,” she said.

Gbiwen assured customers that the company remained committed to equitable electricity distribution, infrastructure protection and improved service delivery.

She urged for patience as efforts were continuing to mitigate the impact of the national grid constraints. (NAN)

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