Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc, IBEDC, says it has accelerated its efforts against energy theft across its network. Partnering with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences, SIPTEO, IBEDC is committed to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting individuals involved in energy theft.
Acting Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Francis Agoha, emphasised the company’s zero-tolerance stance on energy theft, highlighting the severe consequences for offenders.
“Energy theft is a significant challenge that impacts our ability to provide reliable service to our customers. We are intensifying our efforts through partnerships like this to ensure that those who engage in such practices face the full force of the law,” Engr. Agoha stated.
Between January and October 2024, IBEDC recorded over 8,000 cases of energy theft, including meter bypass and illegal meter tampering, resulting in financial losses totaling hundreds of millions of naira.
Agoha stressed the importance of the ongoing collaboration with SIPETO: “Our partnership with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force is crucial. It not only enhances our capacity to detect and prosecute offenders but also sends a strong message that energy theft will not be tolerated. This undermines the integrity of our operations and deprives us of resources needed to improve service delivery.”
IBEDC has urged customers to refrain from any form of energy theft, warning of the severe penalties, including imprisonment, as stipulated under the Electricity Act. The company has also assured customers that SIPTEO patrols are active and vigilant, investigating reported cases thoroughly.
For more information or to report instances of energy theft, customers are encouraged to contact IBEDC’s customer service line, visit the company’s website at www.ibedc.com, or contact the company via whistle-blowing channels: Email: ethicscompliance@ibedc.com or SMS: 08134811905, 09044151453.
