The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc has strengthened its efforts to prevent electricity theft across its network.
In a statement on Tuesday, spokeswoman Busolami Tunwase announced that the Disco has collaborated with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences (SIPETO) to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals involved in energy theft.
The firm’s interim Managing Director, Francis Agoha, reiterated the company’s zero-tolerance stance on energy theft and warned offenders of severe penalties. He disclosed that between January and October 2024, the company recorded over 8,000 cases of energy theft, including meter bypass and tampering, which caused financial losses of hundreds of millions of naira.
Agoha stressed the importance of collaborating with SIPETO to enhance IBEDC’s ability to detect and prosecute violators.He also emphasized the negative impact of energy theft on service delivery, stating, “Energy theft hinders our ability to provide reliable service to customers.”” We are intensifying efforts through collaborations like this to ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law.”
He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with SIPETO, stating, “Our partnership with SIPETO is crucial. It boosts our ability to identify and prosecute offenders, sending a clear message that IBEDC will not tolerate energy theft.” Such actions compromise our operations and drain resources needed to enhance service delivery.”
Agoha urged customers to avoid energy theft and warned of strict action against defaulters. He reminded customers of the harsh penalties, including imprisonment, prescribed in the Electricity Act.
IBEDC urged customers to report energy theft, assuring that SIPETO patrols investigate all cases.
CREDIT: Allneeds,PUNCH
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