Energy Theft: Ibadan Electricity Seeks Stakeholders’ Support

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) is sustaining partnership with stakeholders as part-way of checkmating energy theft across its network.

It has particularly entered a relationship with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences (SIPTEO), to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals involved in energy theft.

Acting Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Francis Agoha, while recently highlighting the severe consequences for offenders stated:

“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,” Engr. Agoha stated.

He spoke against the backdrop of data showing that from last January to October 2024, there were over 8,000 cases of energy theft, including meter bypass and illegal meter tampering, resulting in financial losses totaling hundreds of millions of naira to Ibadan Electricity.

“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.

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“This undermines the integrity of our operations and deprives us of resources needed to improve service delivery”, Agoha stated

Urging customers to refrain from any form of energy theft, he said penalties include imprisonment, as stipulated under the Electricity Act.

It is also assuring customers that SIPTEO patrols are active and vigilant, investigating reported cases thoroughly.

The Eagle reports that Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) which came into existence in 2013 as part of the unbundling of the electricity sector, covers the largest franchise area in Nigeria, made up of –Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara and parts of Niger, Ekiti and Kogi states.