The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has introduced stricter penalties for individuals and businesses found guilty of bypassing electricity meters, reinforcing its stance against power theft.
In a revised Order on Unauthorised Access, Meter Tampering, and Bypass, posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account, NERC outlined new regulations to curb illegal connections.
This replaces the previous directive, Order No: NERC/REG/41/2017, and took effect on 22 January 2025.
The order aligns with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Customer Protection Regulations (CPR) 2023, reinforcing compliance measures and ensuring better enforcement against meter violations.
Read also: NERC releases new power tariff hike guidelines for DisCos
Under the new framework, Distribution Companies (DisCos) now have the authority to disconnect illegal connections without prior notice. Clear reconnection guidelines have also been established, ensuring transparency and discouraging repeat offences.
Consumers caught tampering with their meters will face significant financial penalties.
For non-Maximum Demand (MD) meters, the fine for a first offence is set at N100,000 for single-phase meters and N200,000 for three-phase meters. Subsequent violations will attract higher penalties of N150,000 and N300,000, respectively.
The commission has urged consumers to ensure compliance with metering regulations to avoid fines and disconnection.
Additionally, DisCos has been directed to launch awareness campaigns to educate customers on the legal and financial consequences of meter tampering, emphasising the need to regularise their electricity connections.
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