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The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced that electricity consumers will be fined for bypassing their prepaid meters or engaging in illegal connections. The fines, which range from N100,000 to N300,000, are part of an amended order aimed at reducing unauthorized access to electricity, meter tampering, and bypass.
Fine Structure
– Non-maximum demand single-phase residential customers: N100,000 for the first offense and N150,000 for subsequent offenses- Non-maximum demand three-phase customers: N200,000 for the first offense and N300,000 for subsequent offenses- Maximum demand customers: 450% to 600% of their last recorded energy consumption.
Background
-The amended order replaces Order No: NERC/REG/41/2017 and took effect on January 22, 2025. It aligns with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Customer Protection Regulations 2023, which allow distribution companies to disconnect unauthorized connections without notice and prescribe reconnection conditions.Industry Reaction.
-Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company has lamented the rise in energy theft, threatening to charge offenders to court. Eko Disco has also identified energy theft as a significant challenge facing Nigeria’s power sector, resulting in substantial revenue losses annually.
NERC’s Stance
-The regulatory body emphasized that customers who bypass meters or gain unauthorized access must pay administrative charges, including meter replacement costs, and reconnection fees.