Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) in Nigeria have been directed to strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for addressing cases of unauthorised access to electricity within the distribution network.
The directive aims to curb energy theft, strengthen accountability, and protect the integrity of the nation’s electricity infrastructure within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Amended Order on Unauthorised Access urged the Distribution Companies (DisCos) to strictly adhere to it.
Under the guidelines, Distribution Companies are required to proactively identify areas suspected of unauthorised access by analysing anomalies in electricity consumption patterns, irregularities in billing records, or other suspicious indicators.
The process involves a detailed review of consumption data and billing histories to detect discrepancies that may point to illegal connections, meter tampering, or other forms of electricity theft.
The SOP also mandates DisCos to deploy surveillance techniques in locations where suspicious activities are detected.
“Through monitoring and intelligence gathering, operators are expected to collect additional evidence that may support investigations into possible unauthorised access to electricity services.
“As part of the investigative process, Distribution Companies are to carry out physical inspections of meters in the suspected areas.
“These inspections are intended to identify signs of tampering, illegal connections, or unauthorised modifications.
“Integrity tests must also be conducted on suspected meters, with evidence captured through video and photographic documentation in the presence of the customer or their representative.
“In addition, field inspections are to be undertaken to assess the condition” NERC added.