₦airaland Forum

This is an offer not to be resisted.

THE CONSPIRACY AND FRAUD IN THE POWER SECTOR

This is a story from the experience of one Mr. George Ibizugbe who lives in the Oka community of the Sokponba axis in Benin City the state capital, in November 2013, the transformer servicing their community broke down. In response to entreaties made by community residents to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), the residents contributed money to the tune of N325, 000. 00 to enable BEDC fix the transformer.
Four months later in February, the BEDC returned the repaired transformer and installed it in the community. Having exhausted the 18 units left in his prepaid meter within two days, citizen Ibizugbe approached a BEDC recharge voucher sales centre to purchase a modest N1, 000 recharge to power his prepaid meter, to his utter consternation, Ibizugbe was told that he must first pay the sum of N3, 000 representing N750 Monthly Fixed Charge multiplied by the four months during which there was no transformer in the community, when he could not afford the requested amount he had to leave and stay in darkness with his family.

This is one among the many circumstances hapless Nigerians have found themselves with the way and manner these Distribution Companies (DISCOs) reap where they have not sown, These DISCOs compulsorily add a Fixed Charge to customers’ bill alongside with the Energy Charge which is the actual consumption by customers.
THE POWER SECTOR SEGMENT
The power sector is segmented into three parts, which is the Generation (GENCO), Transmission and the Distribution (DISCO) the GENCOs generate the power and sell to the DISCOs who is closer to the end users who in turn distributes same for both industrial and domestic use. The Transmission line transports these generated power to the various DISCOs. The end consumers buy power from the DISCOs from their retail kiosks. As at the time of this write-up the Generation and the Distribution segments have been privatized save the Transmission segment which is still under the management of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

FIXED CHARGE
The Fixed Charge is a component of the customer’s electricity bill, it varies from region to region in Nigeria depending on the Distribution company in-charge of such a region, there are eleven DISCOs spread across Nigeria with different amount charged as FIXED CHARGE.
The Monthly Fixed Charge is different from the Energy Charge which is the true representation of the amount of power consumed, the Fixed Charge is paid by the Analog meter as well as the Prepaid Meter owners respectively, it is an amount the customer is compelled to pay whether energy is consumed or not, as a matter of fact, the Prepaid meter users are compelled to pay any backlog of Fixed Charge before been sold units. The Fixed Charge is free money for the DISCOs, it is for no goods or service rendered, and they collect this amount whether they sell energy to customers or not.
The Fixed Charge is different from what a lot of people refer to as Service Charge or Maintenance Fees, the Maintenance Fees have been abolished since December, 2011 and this Fixed Charge was smuggled in to replace the Maintenance Fees or Service Charge. Even while we had the Maintenance Fees or Service Charge, the customers still do the maintenance themselves; they still buy their transformers, poles, meters, strings. When the power sector was still under the defunct Nigeria Electricity Power Authority (NEPA), there was neither Maintenance Fees or Service Charge, what a customer consumed was calculated at the end of the month and actual usage bill were issued. At what point was this fraudulent FIXED CHARGE added to our bill? Why would the people be compelled to pay a Fixed Charge to privately owned entities whether they are rendered services or not? It is on good record that these DISCOs were actually transferred to family and friends of the powers that be. The BEDC makes as low as N3.5 billion naira monthly from FIXED Charges alone, a Private Liability Company that makes that much every month will not bother to improve in power supply.

NERC, A REGULATOR OR ‘STRANGULATOR’

The regulatory agency for the power sector is the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, this Federal Government agency was formed for the purpose of regulating of the power sector vis-à-vis the protection of the industry players and customers, over the years, this commission has not been able to meet up to their expectations, they appear to be more of a ‘strangulator’ than that of a regulator.
NERC has not been able to coordinate and call to order the massive and reckless drive of these DISCOs going by the way and manner these DISCOs exploit their customers, as a matter of fact, the NERC through their Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) gave these DISCOs the right to collect FIXED Charges from customers, they gave the DISCOs the impetus to collect monies they never worked for even when they are very much aware of the obvious fact that darkness is the order of the day, there is no enough energy to distribute to customers. What that means is that, whether these DISCOs have energy to distribute to customers or not they smile to the banks on daily basis while the people and businesses groan in darkness. Why would a Federal Government commission that is expected to protect the people against exploitation is the one colluding with capitalists in ‘strangulating’ the people? This has given room for questions begging for answers, does it not appear that, there is a conspiracy between the Federal Government of Nigeria and these capitalists who are bent at taking from poor Nigerians to expand their wealth.

Until the people start paying for energy consumed and the FIXED CHARGE regime is abolished, also the DISCOs are compelled to give meters to customers who have been placed on arbitrary estimated bills; Nigerians should not expect steady power supply. The Federal Government should be sincere in providing public utilities to her people without strangulating them through their various regulatory agencies.

OPERATION BYE-PASS YOUR METER IN EDO STATE:

Electricity Consumers in Edo state have declared operation bye-pass meter due to the stubbornness of the management of BEDC and NERC who have refused to remove the fraudulent monthly Fixed Charge of N750, sometime early this year, members of Edo State Civil Society Organizations protested for 10 days and dragged the BEDC and NERC before the state House of Assembly, The Oba of Benin and the Governor to explain the reason why we should pay for services not rendered, they could not explain which made these authorities asking them to stop the collection forthwith. Since then, they still collect the N750 monthly whether you get power or not. We have decided not to pay electricity bill again until they remove the Fixed Charge, we want to pay for what we consume. We have been resisting their disconnection and we will continue to do so. If they feel so bad, the court is there.

NOTE: Meter Maintenance Fees have been abolished since December 2011

OPERATION BYE-PASS YOUR METER IN EDO STATE:

Electricity Consumers in Edo state have declared operation bye-pass meter due to the stubbornness of the management of BEDC and NERC who have refused to remove the fraudulent monthly Fixed Charge of N750, sometime early this year, members of Edo State Civil Society Organizations protested for 10 days and dragged the BEDC and NERC before the state House of Assembly, The Oba of Benin and the Governor to explain the reason why we should pay for services not rendered, they could not explain which made these authorities asking them to stop the collection forthwith. Since then, they still collect the N750 monthly whether you get power or not. We have decided not to pay electricity bill again until they remove the Fixed Charge, we want to pay for what we consume. We have been resisting their disconnection and we will continue to do so. If they feel so bad, the court is there.

NOTE: Meter Maintenance Fees have been abolished since December 2011

NERC NEWLY COMMISSIONED EDO OFFICE STORMED BY EDO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS TASKFORCE ON BEDC MATTERS:

We got information today that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) will be opening the Benin office, upon such information members of Taskforce on BEDC Matters led by my humble self stormed the venue with placards and chanting of aluta songs to press home our demands which are the abolition of Fixed Charge of N750 minimum, Non-supply of Meters, Estimated Billing and that we cannot continue to pay for darkness.

We have vowed to ensure that our people can no longer be taken for fools, they cannot continue to milk us to run their business. Watch evening news for full details.

redcliff: these broses wey suppose dey scold small pikin them na them dey do small pikin thing. See that other bros head like Rev. King Jnr.

Politics na for small children? u nor see as you get sense reach? If that guy catch you say u dey compare am with Rev. king

2

Go and Die Shirts are already selling in benin

I have worn mine

Just want to know if dead people in the spirit world see us the living being. Biblical and Koranic backing will be appreciated.

The Coalition of Edo Youth Organisations met on the 9th August, 2013 at the secretariat of Edo Youth for Good Governance, Siluko Road on the issue of the gruesome murder of Late Ibrahim Momodu and resolved to ensure that CSP Carol Afegbai is brought to book at all cost.
To this end, it was resolved that a pool of money be put up for this cause and financial
contributions were made by all members present and subsequent contributions are to be made for the cause of seeking justice, we are to channel the funds for all the protests and media attentions to ensure that the whole world hears what had happened in Edo state. If you are a lover of justice, hater of oppression and extra judicial killings by the police, your support is highly needed for this cause, an injury to one is an injury to all, it could be anyone tomorrow if not fought against today. We are aware she had been redeployed to the western part of the country which is the usual tactics of the Police.
please help spread this in any platform you belong to online.

Alert! Goodnews for Edo State people

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has started plans to build estates in Edo state any moment soon, such locations as Airport Road and Bye-pass. These are luxury apartments and you have the opportunity to pay with mortgages if you are contributing to NHF if you are not, you can start now and still take part in the housing scheme. The last time Federal government did something like this in Edo state was during Shagari administration, you can begin to buy off-plan before the projects commence proper and before money bags buy them all. The FHA is in partnership with Aso Savings and Loans Plc and Edo Builders and Infrastructure Developers Association (EBIDA). If you want to be an off-taker you can indicate your interest now, pick up the form and start processing.

We have 100 plots for sale close to Christ Embassy Camp Ground, Sapele Road, Benin City.

Asking Price is N250, 000, 000

Contact
Globakey Investment Limited
9, Isekhere Street,
Benin City,
Edo State.
08023881955

Edo people are going to the polls today to elect their Local Government Chairmen and Councillors in the eightheen Local Government Areas of the state, major participating parties are the ACN, PDP and Labour Party. If you are in Edo State and are in any of the polling unit keep us updated.

if it is granite you meant we ve it in abundance in Edo north.

my company urgently needed a ford transit van for purchase in benin,
budget is 400k

~Bluetooth:
Not without the russians making any concession.the issue here is if Nigeria has anything to lose in case of a diplomatic row with russia but I'm still wonder why people are thinking that russia will attack Nigeria.

Have you also wondered why the lockerbie bomber was released to Ghadaffi by the british ? You know why,libya got the oil and the british needed the oil,so they sort of swap the guy for oil and military contracts and that is how things get done in the international system since no nation is self-sufficent.Syria,iran and other hardline countries have alliance or some sort of treaties with Russia in case of any attack on them,which is why an attack on syria or iran could disrupt world peace.Besides,russia is only withholding her vote with china against possible military intervention in syria.so kini big deal

Nigeria can only beg for their release but russia can threaten us for their own release, you see, there are two angles to the concession option. Some of us appear not to know how weak our country is, we have never fought war with another nation, even the bakassi issue with cameroun we chickened out. Corruption has eaten deep into all sectors of our country even in our military might, it will amaze you that even Togo would have acqyuired more ammunitions than us, it is when a war breaks out you see Nigeria doing fire brigade approach. Are we sure they utilize the budget meant for national security accordingly or few persons are using it to enrich themselves. Can you remember when David Mark gave the USA 7 days ultimatum to reverse calling us a terrorost nation, i laughed when i heard it on tv. Remember what Nigeria did to south africa not too long ago? Power is it in the international community. When you are powerful you break rules. Nations play game like politicians. What sovereignty makes equal, power makes unequal. It cannot be changed right from the period of state of nature where might is right according to thomas hobbes.

Any student in the house who read International Relations knows that 'what sovereignty make equal power makes unequal' there is no need labouring this issue, int'l relations students know Nigeria will release them.

can it fly for 500k? I ve seen the van, my office is close to the location.

visit www.zhauns.com

Missy_B: Otien

Otien in Benin language. Oba ghato kpere

The total sum up is that men naturally does not like wearing of ring or necklace except for a few of us, wearing of rings does not stop a man from flirting around as a matter of fact, girls are more comfortable with married men than the single guys because they believe the married men are responsible and caring unlike the unmarried guys who play with their hearts.

not bomb blast but an attempted jail break.

eseosa77: Why are they victimizing this poor innocent man?.i understand and know ogolor wuldn`t condescend and stoop so low to have masterminded the killing of oyeride.this gentle man,as we know him in benin is an enviromental activist who innitiator PIB to the NASS,a man who had always stood to fight against defects and coruption in the goverment sectors,most especially in the oil sector.he played a vital role against the oil subsidy regime and crisis and the owner of the monday programmes,NIGER DELTA QUESTION AND ANSWERS on this morning on ITV.This is a programme that no one cant afford to miss,innovative,enlightening,educative and so on and besides his office at sereba house on 1st east circular is adjacent to my offfice.I tell u brothers that his indictment is wholistically political driven,an attempt to drag his personallity in the mud.God will proove his innocence,we will all pray for him,at the end of every tunnel ther is light.

His problem started when he decided to be bigstouting and peppersouping with politicians.

Iam interested send me price and details to princeosaz2001@yahoo.com. My location is Benin

I have painstakingly written a short and insightful document on how to be an estate developer in Nigeria without using your money. As an estate developer myself i thought of revealing the secret to others who care to know too.

The document will cost individual N5000 only for the first 50 people thereafter it will be sold at N8000.
Call me on 08023881955 or visit out cooperate website at
www.globakey.com

question: What about large fireproof airbags in the plane fuselage (cabin) to absorb all the shock of crash landing.

You are among the few wise Nigerians who think of solution instead of lamenting their problems.

denzel2009: They could have given those babies parachute so that they can land at iju too smh.

My suggestion might sound foolish to you because it is not from a white man, sooner or later they may consider what i just posted, of course you know mothers can hold their babies while they fly the parachute. Not discouraged anyway, instead of staying on the cause of the crash i would dissipate my energy on the way forward.

airplanes should be equiped with parachutes so that people can safe land instead of this kind of crash or it should be able to release a big parachute that is capable of suspending the plane in the air while it crashes gently. Just mine thought, what do u tink house?