The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has introduced an amended order designed to curb unauthorized access to electricity, meter tampering, and bypass.
The Amended Order on Unauthorized Access, Meter Tampering, and By-pass, which replaces Order No: NERC/REG/41/2017.
It took effect on January 22, 2025.
This amendment,according to a statement, aligns with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Customer Protection Regulations (CPR) 2023.
Distribution Companies (DisCos) are now empowered to disconnect unauthorized connections without notice,according to the order.
The order prescribes reconnection conditions to ensure compliance.
NERC explained that the primary objectives of the amended order are: “To reduce unauthorized access to electricity, meter tampering, and bypass; and To establish transparent reconnection guidelines to ensure compliance”.
Besides,the commission introduced stiffer financial penalties for electricity consumers found guilty of meter tampering and by-pass.
The penalties are as follows:
Non-MD (Maximum Demand) Single-phase meters
First offence: N100,000
Subsequent offence: N150,000
Non-MD Three-phase meters
First offence: N200,000
Subsequent offence: N300,000
According to NERC,the new penalties highlight its commitment to reducing energy losses and ensuring that consumers pay for the electricity they use.
It emphasized that stricter enforcement would help curb electricity theft, improve revenue collection for DisCos, and ultimately enhance service delivery.
