Welcome, Guest! Please log in.
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.
“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.
“Since early 2024, we have been working closely with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences (SIPTEO) to identify, investigate, and prosecute cases of meter tampering, bypass, and illegal reconnection,” she added.
Metering initiatives and future plans
IBEDC is also improving its metering coverage by leveraging several initiatives, including the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), Disco Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), and the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme. Through MAP, customers can apply for a prepaid meter on IBEDC’s official portal, receive a meter ID, pay, and expect installation within 10 working days.
“These coordinated efforts have helped IBEDC install tens of thousands of meters, and we are on track to achieve over 60% metering coverage by the end of 2025,” Olanrewaju noted.
She stressed that energy theft not only puts lives at risk but also hinders the company’s ability to improve power supply and invest in better infrastructure. Customers are therefore advised to desist from such illegal practices and follow the proper channels for metering.
Source: Vanguard
