Tamper with meter, go to prison – IBEDC warns against energy theft

IBEDC energy theft warning highlights dangers of meter tampering

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has sounded a strong warning to customers against energy theft, emphasizing that tampering with electricity meters or engaging in illegal connections could lead to imprisonment. Angela Olanrewaju, Coordinating Head of Corporate Services at IBEDC, issued this warning during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Friday.

Olanrewaju stated that the company enforces strict penalties for energy theft, as provided by law, which include criminal prosecution and administrative sanctions. According to her, offenders face jail terms ranging from three to five years or may be fined for illegal activities such as bypassing meters, tampering with devices, or unauthorized connections to power grids... Read complete content click link below

“Energy theft involves bypassing meters, line tapping, unauthorized connection to power, and non-payment or vending,” she said. “IBEDC is empowered to disconnect offenders without prior notice, and offenders will also bear costs like meter replacement, reconnection fees, and administrative fines.”

IBEDC’s measures to fight energy theft The company has adopted a multi-layered approach to curb meter tampering and illegal connections. This includes deploying smart meters and using Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to monitor and detect infractions remotely. Olanrewaju also pointed out that tampering with meters can lead to severe risks such as fire outbreaks or electrocution, in addition to causing financial losses in the power value chain.