Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State recently led a significant stakeholders' meeting involving key electricity sector players to discuss ongoing issues related to power outages and billing complaints that surfaced after a peaceful protest in Benin City. The meeting was prompted by residents' frustrations over inadequate power supply and confusing billing practices from the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). Okpebholo stressed that the complexities of these issues cannot be addressed in isolation and called for broader engagement among all participants in the power value chain.

During the meeting, Governor Okpebholo shared insights from his experience as a telecom expert, particularly regarding metering systems and the nature of the deductions that residents have complained about. He clarified that some of the deductions are structured as repayment mechanisms, indicating that while there might be legitimate grievances, there are also operational aspects that residents need to understand. The Governor acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the power supply crisis and billing transparency effectively.

Concluding the discussions, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the necessity for further stakeholder meetings, underscoring that immediate resolutions might not be feasible. He pointed out that the BEDC is primarily a service provider and does not generate power, highlighting the importance of recognizing the responsibilities of all parties involved in the electricity distribution system. This meeting signifies a critical step towards addressing the persistent power issues affecting Edo State's residents and aims to foster collaborative solutions in navigating the complexities of the electricity market.