By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said it has amended its order relating to unauthorised Access, meter tampering and by-pass, with the introduction of stiffer penalties against culprits as deterrents.
Under the reviewed Order, defaulters risks a minimum fine of N100,000 and the maximum fine ranging from N300,000 above depending on the class of electricity consumers and gravity of offense.
Accordingly, Customers who by-pass meters or gain unauthorised access must pay administrative charges (including meter replacement costs) and reconnection costs as follows:
Under Administrative Charges, any customer that gains unauthorised access to electricity through tampering or meter by-pass will be reconnected upon payment of the administrative charges including meter replacement cost which shall not exceed the sum outlined depending on Customer Class.
Specifically, Non-Maximum Demand Single Phase (Residential), first offense, attracts N100,000 and subsequent offense attracts N150,000
For Non-Maximum Demand Three Phase (Residential), First offense, attracts N200,000 and subsequent offense attracts N300,000.
NERC Order provides for Maximum Demand (MD) First Offense a penalty fine of 450 percent of last recorded consumption and subsequent Offense attracts 600 percent of last recorded consumption.
Also, the reconnection costs attracts Non-MD- a fine of N10,000 for Non-Maximum Demand offenders while Maximum Demand offenders are to pay 50,000 fine for reconnection.
On the other hand, the Order provides a succour to electricity consumers offenders, stating compensation for delayed reconnection
“If DisCos fail to reconnect a customer within 48 hours after payment, they must compensate with 100% of daily energy consumption in energy credit.
For revenue loss recovery, Customers guilty of unauthorised access must pay for the loss of revenue through back-billing at the prevailing tariff.
The Amended Order on Unauthorised Access, Meter Tampering, and By-pass replaces Order No: NERC/REG/41/2017 and has taken effect from 22 January 2025.
This amendment aligns with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Customer Protection Regulations (CPR) 2023, which allow Distribution Companies (DisCos) to disconnect unauthorised connections without notice and prescribe reconnection conditions.
According to NERC, the order aims to: “reduce unauthorised access to electricity, meter tampering, and by-pass and Establish transparent reconnection guidelines to ensure compliance.”
