- Adeleke said the new law will create off-grid investment opportunities and promote renewable energy alongside conventional power sources.
- Osun plans to set up a regulatory agency to monitor power distribution and address customer service issues.
The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has described the newly passed Osun Electricity Law as a transformative tool for economic growth.
In a statement on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke said the law would end years of exploitation by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.
He declared that with the bill now law, the era of oppression and unfair treatment of Osun citizens by certain IBEDC officials was over.
According to the governor, the law will unlock investor opportunities in the energy sector and promote multiple off-grid power generation alternatives.
He said, “The new law will ensure the right energy mix. Renewable energy will complement the traditional energy sources. Osun State is open to new energy sector investors.”
Governor Adeleke noted that the state would now diversify its power generation sources and regulate them to tackle the persistent energy crisis.
He stated that the new law also makes provision for the creation of a State Electricity Regulatory Agency to oversee the power sector in the state.
He said the agency would be responsible for regulating and monitoring the market and service delivery by electricity distribution companies.
“The regulatory commission will be addressing critical issues relating to customer–service provider complaints. It will grant licences to power generators among others.
“The commission will not allow the current maltreatment of electricity users in the state,” the governor said.
He warned the IBEDC to brace up for changes ahead of the full commencement of the regulatory body’s operations.
Governor Adeleke added, “I will invite all stakeholders to the signing into law ceremony. The business community in Osun State should heave a sigh of relief.
“The much-needed policy framework for the state power sector has arrived.”
He appreciated the state House of Assembly, the Ministry of Energy, and other stakeholders who contributed to the bill’s passage.