The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc said it has recorded over 8,000 cases of energy theft, including meter bypass and illegal meter tampering, resulting in financial losses totaling hundreds of millions of naira, between January and October 2024.
The spokesperson of the IBEDC, Busolami Tunwase, who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen, announced a partnership with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals involved in energy theft.
Quoting the acting Managing Director/CEO of the company, Engr. Francis Agoha, the statement emphasized the company’s zero-tolerance stance on energy theft, highlighting the severe consequences for offenders.
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The statement reads, “Energy theft is a significant challenge that impacts our ability to provide reliable service to our customers. We are intensifying our efforts through partnerships like this to ensure that those who engage in such practices face the full force of the law”.
“Between January and October 2024, IBEDC recorded over 8,000 cases of energy theft, including meter bypass and illegal meter tampering, resulting in financial losses totaling hundreds of millions of naira”.
Engr. Agoha stressed the importance of the ongoing collaboration with SIPETO: “Our partnership with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force is crucial.
“It not only enhances our capacity to detect and prosecute offenders but also sends a strong message that energy theft will not be tolerated. This undermines the integrity of our operations and deprives us of resources needed to improve service delivery.”
“IBEDC urges customers to refrain from any form of energy theft, warning of the severe penalties, including imprisonment, as stipulated under the Electricity Act”.
“The company assures customers that SIPETO patrols are active and vigilant, investigating reported cases thoroughly”.