1,459 cases of energy theft recorded in two months, says IBEDC

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc says it identified and recorded over 1,459 cases of energy theft between January and February 2024.

Johnson Tinuoye, chief accounts officer of IBEDC, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ota.

He said these cases include meter bypass and illegal meter tampering, resulting in significant financial losses amounting to hundreds of millions of naira for the company.

Tinuoye said IBEDC is collaborating with the federal government’s special investigation and prosecution task force on electricity offences (SIPTEO) to fight energy theft in areas within its network.

“The company is actively pursuing investigations and legal actions against individuals and businesses involved in energy theft,” he said.

“The IBEDC had identified and recorded over 1,459 cases of energy theft between January and February 2024.”

Tinuoye said the escalating figures prompted a strategic partnership with SIPTEO, which would help expedite the investigation and prosecution of offenders within IBEDC’s franchise.

He said under the Electricity Act, energy theft is recognised as a criminal offence, carrying severe penalties including imprisonment.

“We want to send a clear message to our customers that energy theft will not be tolerated,” he said.

“Our collaboration with the SIPTEO underscores our commitment to ensuring a fair and just electricity distribution system.

“In addition, energy theft not only undermines the integrity of our operations but also deprives IBEDC of the revenue necessary to provide quality services to our customers.”

Tinuoye told the company’s customers to refrain from engaging in any form of energy theft, warning that the consequences could be severe.

He said there is no room for negotiation with SIPTEO which is actively patrolling and investigating instances of energy theft for prosecution.

Tinuoye implored customers to report instances of energy theft and always seek credible information from the company’s website.