Lagos, Nigeria – July 21, 2024 – Ikeja Electric Plc (IE), Nigeria’s leading electricity distribution company, has reaffirmed its commitment to combating energy theft by enforcing stricter penalties on offenders. The company announced that anyone caught stealing electricity will be immediately prosecuted, marking a significant shift from the previous practice of merely imposing loss of revenue (LOR) penalties.
This declaration was made at IE’s July Stakeholders Forum, a monthly meeting designed to educate customers about the company’s initiatives aimed at improving service delivery.
Mr. Kingsley Okotie, IE’s Head of Corporate Communication, expressed concern over the rising cases of energy theft, particularly following the recent implementation of the revised tariff on Band A feeders. He emphasized that the sustainability of the company and the entire electricity value chain is at risk if theft continues unchecked.
“The scale of theft is alarming, and the company cannot meet customer expectations if this trend persists. Some offenders believe they will face no consequences if they are not caught, which is a misconception we must correct,” Okotie stated.
He highlighted the critical need for collective action against energy theft, noting that the stability of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) depends on the efforts of all stakeholders. Any disruption to the Distribution Companies (Discos) directly affects the entire sector.
To combat theft, Okotie emphasized the importance of the whistleblowing platform, which allows customers and the public to report incidents anonymously. Managed independently of IE, this platform ensures the confidentiality of whistleblowers. IE incentivizes whistleblowing by rewarding those who report verified incidents of theft. For residential and small business offenders, whistleblowers receive up to 10% of the reconnection fee paid by the offender. For commercial and industrial offenders, the reward is up to 5% of the reconnection fee.
Okotie reiterated that energy theft is a criminal offense under the Electricity Act, carrying penalties ranging from six months to three years imprisonment. Tampering with meters or interfering with the works of licensees can result in a three-year prison sentence. IE is authorized to prosecute individuals and companies for these offenses.
In accordance with regulations from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Discos can disconnect customers who are illegally connected to their network. Reconnection is only possible after offenders pay for the loss of revenue, back-bills, reconnection costs, and administrative charges.
IE has urged customers to use the whistleblowing platform to report energy theft through the following channels:
– **Toll-free Hotlines:** 0800-TIP-OFFS (0800 847 6337)
– **Web Portal:** [www.ikejaelectric.com/whistleblowing](http://www.ikejaelectric.com/whistleblowing)
– **Email:** expressyourself@ikejaelectric.com
– **Mobile App:** Deloitte Tip-offs Anonymous App (available on Android and iOS)
For customer complaints, IE advises using the official complaints resolution channels via phone at 0201-7000-250, 0201-227-2940, or by email at customercare@ikejaelectric.com.
Ikeja Electric’s tough stance on energy theft and the introduction of enhanced measures underscore the company’s dedication to maintaining a stable and efficient electricity supply for its customers. By fostering a culture of accountability and vigilance, IE aims to significantly reduce energy theft and improve overall service delivery.
