Worried by rising cases of electricity theft via connection bypass on prepaid meters in parts of its jurisdiction, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDCP) has not only set up a taskforce to deal with defaulters, but has slammed a N1mn penalty for every proven case of power theft either in a private residence or company.
The new taskforce will inspect houses of consumers and drive the payment of the fine of N1 million by anyone caught in energy theft.
Addressing power subscribers during a town hall meeting in Festac division weekend, chief executive officer of EKEDCP, Mr Oladele Amoda, said the company loses over N1 billion from the various forms of energy theft and vandalism in the zone.
Represented by Mr. Sam Nwaire, chief operating officer, Amoda said the company had running series loses due to power theft and that the taskforce was established to tame the tide of power abuse by residents who damage meters in a bid to bypass the meters.