The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has introduced new penalties for individuals and businesses caught bypassing electricity meters.
In an update on X page on Tuesday, the electricity regulator revealed its revised ‘Order on Unauthorised Access, Meter Tampering, and By-pass,’ emphasizing that the new measures are designed to enhance efforts against electricity theft and ensure adherence to metering regulations.
NERC also confirmed that the updated order came into effect on January 22.
“This amendment aligns with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Customer Protection Regulations (CPR) 2023, which allow Distribution Companies (DisCos) to disconnect unauthorised connections without notice and prescribe reconnection conditions,” NERC said.
“The order aims to reduce unauthorised access to electricity, meter tampering, and by-pass. Also, establish transparent reconnection guidelines to ensure compliance.”
For reconnection charges, the regulator said customers who engage in bypassing meters or gain unauthorised access must pay administrative charges (including meter replacement costs) and reconnection costs.
“Administrative Charges: Any customer that gains unauthorised access to electricity through tampering or meter by-pass will be reconnected upon payment of the administrative charges including meter replacement cost which shall not exceed the sum outlined below,” the commission said.
“Non-MD (maximum demand residential) Single-phase meters: First offence will attract N100,000 while subsequent offence (N150,000).
“Non-MD Three-phase meters: First offence (N200,000) while subsequent offence (N300,000).”
For maximum demand (MD), the first offence will incur a penalty of 450 percent of the last unit of electricity consumed, with subsequent offences resulting in a 600 percent charge based on the most recent consumption.
NERC also outlined that for reconnection, non-MD customers will be required to pay N10,000, while MD customers will face a fee of N50,000.
Regarding compensation for delayed reconnection, if Distribution Companies (DisCos) fail to reconnect a customer within 48 hours of payment, they must provide compensation equal to 100 percent of the customer’s daily energy consumption in energy credits.
Additionally, NERC stated that customers found guilty of unauthorized access will be required to pay for the loss of revenue through back-billing, calculated at the prevailing tariff rate.
