The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc, in intensifying its campaign against energy theft within its network area, has collaborated with the Federal Government Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences (SIPTEO) to pursue investigations and legal actions against individuals and businesses involved in energy theft.
A statement signed by Mr. Johnson Tinuoye, the Chief Key Accounts Officer of the company, stated that IBEDC identified and recorded over 1,459 cases of energy theft between January and February 2024.
The statement added that the cases include various offenses such as meter bypass and illegal meter tampering, resulting in significant financial losses for the company.
It said the escalating figures prompted a strategic partnership with SIPTEO, a federal government agency dedicated to expediting the investigation and prosecution of offenders within IBEDC’s franchise.
The statement also added that in the Osun region, two individuals were apprehended for stealing energy through meter bypass and illegal connections, and their cases have been formally charged in court for prosecution.
Tinuoye stressed that under the Electricity Act, energy theft is now recognized as a criminal offense, carrying severe penalties, including imprisonment.
He said, “We want to send a clear message to our customers that energy theft will not be tolerated. Our collaboration with the Federal Government Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences underscores our commitment to ensuring a fair and just electricity distribution system. Energy theft not only undermines the integrity of our operations but also deprives IBEDC of the revenue necessary to provide quality services to our customers.”
IBEDC further urged customers to refrain from engaging in any form of energy theft, stressing that the consequences can be severe, as there is no room for negotiation with the SIPTEO task force team, which is actively patrolling and investigating instances of energy theft for prosecution.
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The company also requested customers to contact the company’s customer care line or visit its website for more information or to report instances of energy theft.