NERC Imposes Stricter Penalties For Illegal Connections And Meter Bypass In Nigeria

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has updated its regulations on illegal electricity access, meter tampering, and bypassing, replacing the previous Order NERC/REG/41/2017.

Under the new rules, any customer caught bypassing their prepaid meter or making unauthorized connections will face a fine of at least N100,000.

In a notice on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the commission said the penalties vary based on the type of customer, ranging from N100,000 to N300,000.

For maximum demand customers—typically large-scale electricity consumers—the punishment is even stricter. They will be required to pay between 450% and 600% of their last recorded energy consumption if found guilty of energy theft.

NERC stated that this amendment, which took effect on January 22, 2025, aligns with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Customer Protection Regulations 2023.

These laws grant distribution companies the authority to disconnect illegal connections without prior notice and outline conditions for reconnection.

The goal of this revised order is to curb electricity theft, meter tampering, and unauthorized access while ensuring clear guidelines for reconnection.

Offenders must cover administrative charges, including the cost of replacing tampered meters, before they can be reconnected.

For residential customers using single-phase meters, the first offence carries a fine of N100,000, increasing to N150,000 for repeat offences.

Those with three-phase meters will pay N200,000 for the first offence and N300,000 for any subsequent violations.

Meanwhile, maximum demand customers will pay 450% of their last recorded energy usage for the first offence and 600% for any further infractions.

The commission emphasized that these measures aim to enhance compliance and deter electricity theft, ensuring a more efficient and transparent power distribution system in Nigeria.

KanyiDaily recalls that NERC previously launched an application designed to help citizens report power outage complaints and disruptions across the country.