NERC threatens fine for Nigerians caught doing illegal connection, meter bypass

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has threatened to implement a N100,000 fine on any Nigerian caught doing illegal connection and meter bypass.

This was contained in an amended order on unauthorised access, meter tampering and by-pass released on Tuesday.

The Commission noted that the fines range between N100,000 and N300,000, depending on the category the customer belongs to.

According to the NERC, the Amended Order on Unauthorised Access, Meter Tampering, and By-pass replaces Order No: NERC/REG/41/2017 and has taken effect from January 22, 2025.

The regulator disclosed that the amendment aligns with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Customer Protection Regulations 2023, which allow distribution companies to disconnect unauthorised connections without notice and prescribe reconnection conditions.

The order, it was said, aims to reduce unauthorised access to electricity, meter tampering, and by-pass.

It is also to establish transparent reconnection guidelines to ensure compliance.

“Customers who bypass meters or gain unauthorised access must pay administrative charges (including meter replacement costs) and reconnection,” the order stated.

It emphasised that any customer who gains unauthorised access to electricity through tampering or meter by-pass will be reconnected upon payment of the administrative charges including meter replacement cost.

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