Benin Electricity Distribution Plc. (BEDC) and the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian army, Owena Cantonment, in Akure, Ondo State have agreed on a regimental load shedding and energy saving programme to reduce cost of electricity and ensure efficient energy allocation.
The development is coming against the backdrop of the dwindling low power generation to the national grid and the debts owned electricity distribution companies.
The agreement, according to a statement signed by BEDC Chief Corporate Services Officer, Mrs Kunbi Labiyi, was sealed on Monday with Brigadier General Charles Ofoche, Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade and Chief State Head, Ondo/Ekiti States for BEDC, Ernest Edgar, representing the respective parties.
With power generation dropping to 1,500 megawatts nationwide, BEDC has been ill-at-ease in increasing supply to operational areas,given its allocation of nine per cent of total output.
According to the terms of the agreement, there will be relocation and improvement of electricity network for efficient power supply; installation of three feeder pillars with breakers; training of officers and men of the brigade on operation and management of equipment installed in the cantonment.
Speaking during the distribution power commissioning ceremony, Ofoche said the programme was borne out of the need to efficiently manage resources in the barrack, which is in sync with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision of having a professionally responsive army in the discharge of its constitutional duties.
He described the pact as a good example of civilian-military relationship, adding that the “army would honour and adhere to the regimental load shedding until when the power situation improves and the authorities are able to reasonably cut down on the electricity bills.”
Edgar lauded the commander for his visionary leadership on the mutually beneficial programme that “will reduce army’s cost of electricity, save energy for other customers in Akure and also reduce BEDC’s AT&C losses due to huge unpaid debts of the cantonment”.
Edgar said the programme was first of its kind in the country and urged other military agencies ministries, departments and agencies to emulate such partnership with distribution companies.