IBEDC, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, has recently reported a significant increase in cases of energy theft within its network area. Between January and February 2024, the company has identified and recorded over 1,459 instances of energy theft.
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To combat this issue, IBEDC has partnered with the Federal Government Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences (SIPTEO) to initiate investigations and legal actions against individuals and businesses involved in these illegal activities.
The cases under investigation include offenses such as meter bypass and illegal meter tampering, which have resulted in substantial financial losses amounting to hundreds of millions of naira for the company.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Chief Key Accounts Officer of IBEDC, Johnson Tinuoye, highlighted that energy theft is now considered a criminal offense under the Electricity Act, carrying severe penalties including imprisonment.
In the Osun region, two individuals have already been apprehended for stealing energy through meter bypass and illegal connections, and their cases have been formally charged to court for prosecution.
This collaborative effort between IBEDC and SIPTEO aims to send a clear message to customers that energy theft will not be tolerated, ensuring a fair and just electricity distribution system.
