Ondo Assembly holds hearing on proposed power bill amendment to curb irregularities

By Boye Oyeyemi

On Tuesday, the Ondo State House of Assembly held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the state’s Electric Power Sector Law.

The law which aims at addressing irregular practices within the electricity sector has been described by lawmakers as a significant bill that will make a positive impact once passed into law.

While declaring the session open, the Speaker of the Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, stated that the engagement was necessary to ensure that the objective of the bill was not undermined.

He explained that the proposed amendment seeks to treat each occupant in residential and business premises as an independent customer of electricity distribution companies for billing and debt recovery purposes.

Oladiji noted that the move would enhance financial sustainability in the electricity sector, expand commercial activities, and improve security through the provision of functional street lighting across the state.

He added that the law was long overdue, stressing that the state could not afford further delay in reforming its electricity regulatory framework.

According to Oladiji, once passed, the law will align the state with national electricity reforms, strengthen regulatory institutions and encourage greater private sector participation.

Reacting to this new development, the Chairman of the House Adhoc Committee on Transport and Utilities, Chris Ayebusiwa, described the hearing as significant, noting that electricity supply directly affects the economic and social wellbeing of residents.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi, said the review became necessary following the decentralisation of the electricity market under the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers states to regulate and manage power generation and distribution within their jurisdictions.