BEDC completely ignored customers right provided by NERC,Delta CDHR declares

Sequel to a five year of monitoring and subsequent presentation of its report today, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, Delta State Branch led by the State Chairman, Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, said the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC has completely ignored the rights of customers in Delta State as provided under the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission,NERC Customer Protection Regulations. 

Comrade Agberen who was flanked by Comrade Nosa Overseey  
State Publicity Secretary, CDHR Delta State, said when he led members of the CDHR on a courtesy to the Warri Regional Office of BEDC. 

The CDHR highlighted other issues which include, Metering fraud and ghost billing, Vandalism, negligence, and delayed repairs,over-billing and debt trap Service disparity and tariff disparity across communities,
Illègal "Light Committees" in communities preventing direct access to BEDC management. 

Speaking further, the CDHR demanded the immediate dissolution of all illegal electricity committees in communities and prosecution of accomplices.

According to the CDHR,"BEDC must take full responsibility for repair and replacement of transformers, poles, and cables. Immediate convocation of Town Hall Meetings in all.

"BEDC units/branches across Delta State with customers, community leaders, and Civil Society present to address these issues.

"Uniform and transparent billing in line with NERC guidelines."

The CDHR also issued the BEDC a fourteen day ultimatum to convene town hall meetings and engage customers directly, rather than through corrupt and illegal light committees. 

The CDHR warned that,"Failure to comply will result in a MASSIVE PEACEFUL PROTEST across the state to defend the rights of electricity consumers."

The Regional Head, Mr.Curtis Nwadei who received the CDHR delegation to its office expressed appreciation for the organization and promised that BEDC will operate under the NERC CUSTOMER PROTECTION REGULATIONS.

He also promised to deal severely with any BEDC staff with questionable characters and practices that are not in line with the establishment. 

He also agreed to call for Town Hall Meetings through the various Business Managers across the 9 Local Government Areas under Warri Region.