Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has ordered the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to stop issuing estimated billing to electricity consumers in the state.

Aiyedatiwa also instructed the company to ensure all its customers in the state were provided with meters effective from June 1, 2024.

The governor gave the order through the State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (SERB) as part of his administration's effort to ameliorate the impact of the economic hardship on residents.

Aiyedatiwa, in a statement signed by SERB, said that the mass metering programme complied with the Ondo State Electric Power Sector Law 2020 Part XII Section 77 (2)(a).

Stephen Bolawole, the Coordinator of SERB, signed the statement.

The governor, according to the statement, said the power company should begin rolling out the meters with affordable prices to households within 12 months to stop the estimated billing.

On the implementation of the orders, Bolawole said: "DisCos must submit a detailed implementation plan to OSERB within 30 days of the effective date of this order, outlining their strategy for achieving full metering within the stipulated timeframe.

"DisCos must provide quarterly progress reports to OSERB detailing the number of meters installed, areas covered, and any challenges encountered.

"BEDC Electricity Plc and other DisCos must integrate the smart meters facilitated by the Ondo State Government through accredited MAPs within six months of the effective date of this Order.

"Failure to do so will result in penalties, including fines and other regulatory actions as deemed appropriate by OSERB."