Electricity consumers in Nigeria have been warned by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission that they will face fines starting at N100,000 if they are caught bypassing their prepaid meters or engaging in illegal connections. The fines, ranging from N100,000 to N300,000, vary based on the customer’s category. Maximum demand customers could face penalties of 450 to 600 percent of their last recorded energy consumption if found guilty of energy theft. The amended order on unauthorized access, meter tampering, and by-pass, effective from January 22, 2025, aims to reduce such unauthorized activities. It aligns with the Electricity Act 2023 and Customer Protection Regulations 2023, allowing disconnection of unauthorized connections without notice.
Customers caught bypassing meters or gaining unauthorized access will face administrative charges and reconnection fees. Non-maximum demand customers could be fined N100,000 or N150,000 for first and subsequent offenses, respectively, while non-maximum demand three-phase customers may pay N200,000 or N300,000 for similar offenses. Maximum demand customers will face penalties of 450 and 600 percent of their last recorded consumption for first and subsequent offenses.
Energy distribution companies have raised concerns about rising energy theft, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to combat this issue. Offenders will not only face penalties but may also be taken to court. The theft of electricity not only leads to revenue losses but also hampers the sector’s stability. Stakeholders have been urged to work together to eliminate energy theft and illegal activities that hinder the progress of the power sector.