In a bid to curb electricity theft and ensure compliance with regulations, Nigerian Electricity Distribution Companies (NERC) unveiled a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) order for handling unauthorised access to electricity distribution infrastructure and meter tampering.
The SOP contained in Order No. NERC/2014/148, released on Thursday, directed the distribution companies (DisCos) to identify areas suspected of unauthorised access based on anomalies in consumption patterns, billing irregularities, or other suspicious indicators.
“Distribution companies shall conduct a comprehensive analysis of electricity consumption data, billing records, and other relevant information to detect any discrepancies or abnormalities indicating potential unauthorised access,” it said.
In recent years, electricity theft and vandalism of transmission and distribution infrastructure have become common in the country.
Last year, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said more than N9 billion was spent to restore vandalised power infrastructure in northern Nigeria in 2024.
In its new directive, NERC ordered distribution companies to employ surveillance techniques to monitor suspicious activities or behaviours in suspected areas and gather additional evidence as necessary.
In addition, it said DisCos should physically inspect and examine meters in suspected areas for signs of tampering, illegal connections, or unauthorised modifications and conduct integrity tests on suspected meters, capturing evidence of tampering through video and photographic documentation in the presence of the customer or their representative.
“Distribution companies are required to conduct field inspections to visually assess the condition of distribution infrastructure, including power lines, transformers, and distribution boxes, to identify any unauthorised connections or illegal activities.
“Distribution companies shall interview witnesses, residents, or local authorities to gather information about observed instances of unauthorised access or suspicious activities. Document all interviews conducted.
“Distribution companies shall employ advanced technologies, such as advanced metering infrastructure, data analytics, and monitoring systems, to detect abnormal consumption patterns and potential instances of unauthorised access,” it said.
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It ordered the DisCos to ensure all legal and regulatory requirements, inspections and evidence gathering.
“Distribution companies shall maintain process, including meter test results, witness statements, and any actions taken, investigation procedures comply with obtaining necessary permissions for detailed records of the investigation video and photographic evidence, witness statements, and any actions taken,” it said.
The SOP mandates the DisCos to issue a disconnection notice if meter tampering, bypass, or malfunction is confirmed.
“Distribution companies shall disconnect the customer’s premises after issuing a disconnection notice in accordance with established procedures and take actions against individuals, or following due process and regulations.”
NERC ordered the DisCos to implement appropriate penalties and legal entities found guilty of unauthorised access, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
“Distribution companies shall collaborate with law enforcement agencies to facilitate legal actions and enforcement against individuals or entities involved in unauthorised access to the electrical distribution infrastructure within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),” it added.
