IBEDC Intensifies Crackdown on Energy Theft, Records 8,000 Cases in 10 Months
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc has ramped up efforts to combat energy theft across its network, reporting over 8,000 cases between January and October 2024.
The offenses, which include meter bypass and illegal tampering, have caused financial losses running into hundreds of millions of naira. In response, IBEDC is partnering with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences (SIPETO) to identify, investigate, and prosecute offenders.
Acting Managing Director and CEO of IBEDC, Francis Agoha, in a statement, reaffirmed the company’s zero-tolerance policy on energy theft, warning that culprits would face strict legal consequences.
“Energy theft is a significant challenge that impacts our ability to provide reliable service to our customers. We are intensifying our efforts through partnerships like this to ensure that those who engage in such practices face the full force of the law,” Agoha said.
He highlighted that the collaboration with SIPETO enhances IBEDC’s ability to detect and prosecute cases while sending a strong deterrent message. Agoha emphasized that energy theft not only hampers the company’s operations but also diverts critical resources needed for service improvements.
The company urged customers to desist from illegal activities, noting that offenders risk severe penalties, including imprisonment, as outlined in the Electricity Act. SIPETO patrols, he assured, remain active and vigilant in investigating reported cases.
Agoha encouraged the public to report instances of energy theft via IBEDC’s customer service channels or its official website, stressing the importance of community support in tackling the issue.
“Together, we can ensure a more efficient and reliable power supply system for everyone,” he added.
