Yemisi Izuora
Eko Electricity Distribution Plc is collaborating with the Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security Civil Defence Corps to combat energy theft in all its ramifications.
It said the fight will concentrate around meter by-pass, illegal connection and reconnection throughout the company’s operational territory.
The company’s Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Godwin Idemudia, said Energy Theft Detection Unit has been set up in all the eight Business Districts of the company for purpose of fishing out those engaging in meter by-pass and illegal connection or reconnection.
According to Idemudia, members of the Energy Theft Detection Units will be going round with security agents and anyone caught engaging in the illegal act of meter by-pass or illegal connection will pay a minimum fine of fifty thousand naira (N50, 000.00) or be ready to face prosecution in the law court.
He also hinted that apart from being an act of economic sabotage, energy theft is also a crime that is punishable under the laws of the land and as such perpetrators should be ready to face the consequence of their criminal act.
He enjoined loyal customers and other law abiding citizens to expose perpetrators of energy theft by reporting to the nearest EKEDC office adding that such reports will be treated with utmost confidentiality.