The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc has ramped up efforts to combat energy theft across its network.
In a statement released on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Busolami Tunwase, the Disco announced a partnership with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals involved in energy theft.
The statement quoted the firm’s acting Managing Director, Francis Agoha, as reiterating the company’s zero-tolerance policy on energy theft, warning of severe consequences for offenders.
He disclosed that over 8,000 cases of energy theft, including meter bypass and tampering, were recorded between January and October 2024, resulting in financial losses amounting to hundreds of millions of naira.
Agoha emphasised the critical role of the SIPETO collaboration in strengthening IBEDC’s capacity to detect and prosecute violators, underscoring the negative impact of energy theft on service delivery and operational integrity.
The statement read, “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.
“Between January and October 2024, IBEDC recorded over 8,000 cases of energy theft, including meter bypass and illegal meter tampering, resulting in financial losses totalling hundreds of millions of naira.”
Speaking further, Agoha stressed the importance of the ongoing collaboration with SIPETO, stating, “Our partnership with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force is crucial. It not only enhances our capacity to detect and prosecute offenders but also sends a strong message that energy theft will not be tolerated. This undermines the integrity of our operations and deprives us of resources needed to improve service delivery.”
He urged customers to refrain from engaging in energy theft, emphasising that the distribution company is determined to take strict action against defaulters.
IBEDC urged customers to refrain from any form of energy theft, warning of the severe penalties, including imprisonment, as stipulated in the Electricity Act.
The company assured customers that SIPETO patrols are active and vigilant, investigating reported cases thoroughly.
