The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) says electricity theft, including meter bypass and tampering, is a major cause of commercial and technical losses within the electricity distribution network.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Chijioke Okwuokenye, said this in an interview on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Okwuokenye said that such losses reduced the revenue available for the operation, maintenance and expansion of electricity infrastructure.

He said that it potentially resulted in poorer service quality, increased outages, delayed network upgrades and reduced investment in customer service.

According to him, electricity theft has wider economic implications, as it can discourage investment in the power sector.

“It can also undermine the sustainability of the electricity market and increase the financial burden on customers who comply with the rules,” he said.

The AEDC boss also cautioned customers against carrying out unauthorised repairs or modifications to its electrical equipment, including meters, transformers, service cables, and other distribution assets.

He said that AEDC-owned infrastructure formed part of the electricity distribution network and should only be inspected, repaired, replaced or modified by duly authorised persons.

“Unauthorised intervention can endanger lives and property, compromise network reliability, damage equipment and cause service interruptions.

“The risks associated with unapproved electrical repairs include electrocution, electrical fires, equipment explosions and prolonged outages affecting an entire community,” he said.

Mr Okwuokenye said that authorised officials were trained to follow approved safety procedures, use appropriate tools, protective equipment, and regulatory standards, and properly document repair activities.

He said manipulation or bypassing of electricity meters, meter seals and service cables were serious offences under applicable electricity laws and regulations.

“Circumstances and applicable law: offenders may also face criminal investigation and prosecution, including fines or imprisonment,” he said.

He urged customers to avoid individuals offering unauthorised or fast-track metering services, warning that such services could result in the installation of illegal, cloned or substandard meters.

He noted that customers who used unauthorised metering services might also face inaccurate consumption records, rejection of meters during verification, loss of warranties and legal consequences where fraudulent activity was involved.

Mr Okwuokenye said that funds spent replacing or repairing vandalised equipment could be directed towards network expansion, maintenance and service improvements.

He urged customers and communities to report suspected electricity theft, meter tampering, vandalism and other dangerous activities involving electricity infrastructure.

He further said collective responsibility, and the protection of electricity infrastructure were essential to improving power supply reliability and supporting the sustainable development of the electricity sector.

(NAN)