Edo Power Sector Enters New Phase As ESERC Grants BEDC Electricity Edo Ltd Provisional Licence

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

The Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ESERC) has granted a provisional electricity licence to BEDC Electricity Edo Ltd, marking a major milestone in the state’s transition from electricity-sector policy and legislation to the full operationalisation of a state-regulated electricity market.

Speaking at the licensing ceremony in Benin City, the Edo State Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Usenbo, described the development as a significant step towards establishing an effective and sustainable electricity market in the state.

Usenbo said the licensing framework was designed to encourage responsible participation by qualified operators, attract sustained private-sector investment and ultimately ensure that households, businesses and industries have improved access to reliable and affordable electricity.

He congratulated BEDC on securing the provisional licence and urged the company to deepen its investment in Edo State, comply fully with the conditions attached to the licence and prioritise improved service delivery to consumers across the state.

The Commissioner also commended the Chairman and members of ESERC for laying the foundation for effective regulation of the emerging electricity market.

He assured investors and other stakeholders that the Edo State Government would continue to create an enabling environment for private-sector participation while protecting the interests of electricity consumers.

Also speaking, ESERC Chairman, Shittu Shaibu, said the commission’s mandate extends beyond the issuance of licences, stressing that electricity operators would be held accountable for compliance with regulatory requirements and service-delivery standards.

Shaibu said the new regulatory regime would focus on strengthening accountability, improving service quality and ensuring faster resolution of consumer complaints. He added that ESERC would adopt a firm, fair and law-guided approach to regulating the market.

According to him, the success of the new electricity regime would ultimately be reflected in tangible improvements in reliability, responsiveness and the overall quality of electricity services delivered to consumers across Edo State.

Receiving the provisional licence, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BEDC Electricity Plc, welcomed the development and expressed the company’s readiness to work with ESERC towards the effective development of the state’s electricity market.

Lawani said BEDC was prepared to fulfil the remaining requirements for the issuance of its full licence when applicable, noting that the company had already obtained the necessary licences in Ekiti and Ondo states after meeting the relevant regulatory requirements.

He commended the Edo State Government for appointing what he described as a competent regulatory team, expressing confidence that an experienced regulator would promote better understanding and constructive engagement between the commission and electricity operators.

Lawani, however, called for collaboration rather than confrontation between BEDC and ESERC, urging the commission to maintain its role as a fair and impartial regulator while allowing healthy competition among market operators.

He stressed that regulation should provide a level playing field for all participants and avoid creating circumstances in which operators are placed in competition with the regulator or government institutions.

According to him, BEDC remains committed to working with the Edo State Government, ESERC and other stakeholders towards the common objective of providing reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity to residents, businesses and industries across the state.

Meanwhile, Henry Dafe Onovwaka, Acting Chief Executive Officer of BEDC Subco, a state-level subsidiary established by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, said his primary responsibility was to ensure a smooth and efficient transition in line