Electricity Theft: NERC Introduces Stricter Penalties for Meter Bypass

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has introduced new penalties for individuals and businesses caught bypassing electricity meters. In its newly revised Order on Unauthorised Access, Meter Tampering, and Bypass, NERC announced the changes on its X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday. This new order replaces Order No: NERC/REG/41/2017 and took effect on January 22, 2025. It aligns with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Customer Protection Regulations (CPR) 2023 to enhance enforcement against electricity theft and ensure strict compliance with metering regulations. Under the revised order, Distribution Companies (DisCos) now have the authority to disconnect unauthorised connections without prior notice, and must follow specific conditions for reconnection.

The order, it was said, aims to reduce electricity theft, meter tampering, and by-pass.

It is also to establish transparent reconnection guidelines to ensure compliance.

The order also stated that “Customers who bypass meters or gain unauthorised access must pay administrative charges (including meter replacement costs) and reconnection”.

Latest Fines for Offenders:

• For Non-Maximum Demand Single-Phase meters (first offense): N100,000
• Subsequent offense N150,000
• For Non-Maximum Demand Three-Phase meters (first offense): N200,000
• Subsequent offense N300,000