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The Edo State Government yesterday, said it has intensified efforts to attract private investment into its electricity sector through regulatory reforms, new power generation projects and strategic partnerships as Governor Monday Okpebholo marks two years in office and Commissioner for Power, Paul Usenbo, completes his first year in the cabinet.
Usenbo said under his watch as the Commissioner for Power, the state has recorded major developments, including the transition to state-level electricity regulation, licensing of private operators, expansion of generation capacity and initiatives to improve electricity access.
A major highlight is the state’s acquisition of a 10 per cent equity stake in the proposed 100-megawatt power plant in Ologbo, negotiated with CCETC and First Bank.
The project also features a planned 300-tonne-per-day Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility, which had its groundbreaking ceremony in February 2026.
The government is also pursuing a proposed 200MW Independent Power Project in Edo North to boost electricity supply across the state.
To strengthen private-sector participation, the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ESERC) was established following the implementation of the Edo State Electricity Law 2024.
He also said that the commission has licensed 12 companies to operate in the state’s electricity market and issued BEDC Electricity Edo Limited a six-month provisional operating licence.
On consumer access, the Ministry of Power says more than 30,000 electricity meters have been deployed, while over 38,000 were allocated to the state under the first phase of the free metering initiative.
Usenbo noted that plans are also underway to establish a meter assembly facility and end bulk billing through a debulking programme.
He averred that the state is equally promoting renewable energy, with solar projects commissioned in Gbelebu community and at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Annex in Igueben.
Additionally, the ministry is partnering the University of Benin and the National Centre for Energy and Environment under the P-HEART initiative to link electricity development with health, education, agriculture, transportation and rural development.
The commissioner also reiterated that the government is also exploring partnerships with investors from the United States and China for an electric mobility and tricycle manufacturing and assembly facility.
Looking ahead, he said the ministry’s priorities include accelerating power generation projects, expanding metering, establishing the Edo State Meter Assembly Point and incorporating Edo State Power Holding Plc to manage the state’s investments in the electricity sector.
