Culprits in cases of unauthorised access to electricity supply, meter tampering and by-pass are to face stiffer penalties for the crime, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said.
In the amended Order relating to illegal connections and unauthorised access to electricity supply by consumers, the apex sector regulator said the introduction of stiffer penalties would serve as a deterrent to prospective perpetrators.
Under the reviewed Order, NERC said culprits would be made to pay a minimum fine of N100,000 for first offenders and a maximum fine ranging from N300,000 and above depending on the class of electricity consumers and gravity of the offence.
The Commission said culprits caught by-passing their meters to gain unauthorised access to electricity supply would pay administrative charges, including meter replacement costs and reconnection costs.
The Commission said any customer caught gaining unauthorised access to electricity through tampering with the electricity meter or found to have engaged in meter by-pass would be reconnected upon payment of the administrative charges, including meter replacement cost not exceeding N100,000 for first offenders and N150,000 for second offenders in the Non-Maximum Demand consumers in residential category with single phase meters.
The reconnection fees for non-MD category offenders is put at N10,000, and N50,000 for MD category offenders.
First offenders in the non-MD category of consumers with three phase meters are to pay a fine of 200,000, while subsequent offences would attract a fine of N300,000.
First offenders in the Maximum demand category of consumers guaranteed under would pay a fine equivalent to 450 percent of the last recorded consumption amount, while subsequent offenders in that category would pay 600 percent of the last recorded consumption figure as fine.
However, the NERC made provisions for offenders to be paid compensation for delayed reconnection.
“If DISCos fail to reconnect a customer within 48 hours after payment, they must compensate with 100% of daily energy consumption in energy credit of the affected customer,” the Commission said.
.
For revenue loss recovery, NERC customers found guilty of unauthorised access to electricity supply must pay for the loss of revenue through back-billing at the prevailing electricity tariff rates.
NERC said the amended Order on unauthorised access, meter tampering, and by-pass which replaces Order No: NERC/REG/41/2017 took effect from January 22, 2025.
“This amendment aligns with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Customer Protection Regulations (CPR) 2023, which allow Distribution Companies (DISCos) to disconnect unauthorised connections without notice and prescribe reconnection conditions”, the Commission added.
Besides, NERC said the Order was aimed at reducing unauthorised access to electricity supply, meter tampering, and by-pass as well as establishing transparent reconnection guidelines to ensure compliance with sector regulations.
