Governor of Edo, Godwin Obaseki has said plans are underway to light up 50 communities across the State in the first phase of his administration’s renewable energy projects.
This is even as the governor also pledged to extend the electricity projects to institutions of learning and hospitals in Edo.
The State Commissioner for Mining and Energy Dr Enaholo Ojiefoh, who made the disclosure on behalf of the governor said that what Obaseki’s administration is doing currently is called ‘renewable energy 2.0’
The disclosure followed the inauguration of a solar power project to supply 2424-hour electricity at the Nigerian Army military hospital in Benin City.
Ojiefoh said the State government partners in the projects are already in the State, adding, “Three months from now, a lot would have been electrified.
He disclosed that a specialist hospital in the State spends between #35 million to #37 million on diesel for energy monthly, noting that huge running costs will lead to high cost of accessing healthcare.
Continuing on the communities electricity projects, the Commissioner said the project is targeting the underserved and unserved areas.
According to him, “What we want to do is to give the light back to the people so that they can own it.
“We started from Eyaen community. We are giving 500 kilowatt as first pilot project. In Aduwawa, we just finished the first structure of about one megawatt.
“The light will be connected to homes free. But at the time we install meter for residents, they will start paying as they use,” he added.
