The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company has disclosed that from January to February of 2024, 1,459 cases of energy theft by its customers were reported to them.
This was revealed on Tuesday in a press release that was signed by Mr. Johnson Tinuoye, the company's Chief Key Accounts Officer.
In cooperation with the Federal Government Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences, IBEDC further stated that it is actively conducting investigations and legal actions against the persons and companies implicated in the theft.
IBEDC identified the incidents and stated that they contained a variety of violations such as illegal meter tampering and meter bypass, which caused the company to suffer severe financial losses totalling hundreds of millions of naira.
In a statement they stated that, they want to send a clear message to their customers that energy theft will not be tolerated and their collaboration with the Federal Government Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences underscores their commitment to ensuring a fair and just electricity distribution system.
They continued by saying that energy theft not only compromises the integrity of their company's operations but also denies IBEDC the funding it needs to offer their clients high-quality services.
Tinuoye underlined that energy theft is now regarded as a criminal offence under the Electricity Act, bearing serious penalties including jail. He further said that two people were detained in the Osun region for stealing energy through illicit connections and meter bypass. Formal charges have been made against them in court to pursue prosecution.
The SIPTEO Task Force team is actively patrolling and investigating cases of energy theft for prosecution, therefore there is no room for negotiations. IBEDC further asked consumers to desist from engaging in any type of energy theft, stressing that the repercussions can be severe.
