By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
In a move to ensure fairness and accountability through plugging revenue leaks in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory commission (NERC) has in an amended order outlined the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for tackling unauthorised access to power.
Unauthorised access to electricity in Nigeria, an act commonly referred to as energy theft, is primarily achieved through physical manipulation of the network and metering systems. These methods are illegal and can lead to significant fines and imprisonment under the Electricity Act 2023.
According to the new modified directive, which was made available to newsmen, the DisCos are mandated to adhere strictly to the new operating code.
The order as amended states: “Distribution companies shall identify areas suspected of unauthorised access based on anomalies in consumption patterns, irregularities in billing, or other suspicious indicators.
“Distribution companies shall conduct a comprehensive analysis of electricity consumption data, billing records, and other relevant information to detect any discrepancies or abnormalities indicating potential unauthorised access.
“Distribution companies shall employ surveillance techniques to monitor suspicious activities or behaviours in suspected areas, gathering additional evidence as necessary.
“Distribution companies shall physically inspect and examine meters in suspected areas for signs of tampering, illegal connections, or unauthorised modifications. Conduct integrity tests on suspected meters, capturing evidence of tampering through video and photographic documentation in the presence of the customer or their representative.
“Distribution companies shall conduct field inspections to visually assess the condition of distribution infrastructure, including power lines, transformers, and distribution boxes, to identify any unauthorised connections or illegal activities.
“Distribution companies shall interview witnesses, residents, or local authorities to gather information about observed instances of unauthorised access or suspicious activities. Document all interviews conducted.
“Distribution companies shall employ advanced technologies, such as advanced metering infrastructure, data analytics, and monitoring systems, to detect abnormal consumption patterns and potential instances of unauthorised access.
“Distribution companies shall ensure all legal and regulatory requirements, inspections and evidence gathering.
“Distribution companies shall maintain process, including meter test results, witness statements, and any actions taken investigation procedures comply with obtain necessary permissions for detailed records of the investigation video and photographic evidence, witness statements, and any actions taken.
“Distribution companies shall issue a disconnection notice if meter tampering, bypass, or malfunction is confirmed.
“Distribution companies shall disconnect the customer’s premises after issuing a disconnection notice in accordance with established procedures.
“Distribution companies shall actions against individuals or following due process, and regulations. implement appropriate penalties and legal entities found guilty of unauthorised access, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
“Distribution companies shall collaborate with law enforcement agencies to facilitate legal actions and enforcement against individuals or entities involved in unauthorised access to the electrical distribution infrastructure within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).”