Over 40% of electricity diverted, stolen – Abuja DisCo

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has said over 40 per cent of the energy generated is diverted and stolen by some disreputable individuals.

The Distribution Company (DisCo) in a new document it launched recently on Energy Theft said, “As a result of this, honest customers who actually pay for electricity do not get to enjoy it. Even employers of labour and producers that grow the economy do not have enough electricity supply as a result of this.” The document prepared by Ephraim Akamihe and Chide Omovbude of the legal department and acknowledged by Oyebode Fadipe and Ahmed Shekarau of the Corporate Communications and Public Relations department.

It warned customers to avoid such practices and report suspects to the firm and security personnel for necessary actions.

The document prepared by AEDC’s legal department citing the penalty for energy theft as stated in Section 286(2) of the Penal Code LFN 2004 that “whoever dishonestly abstracts, diverts, consumes or uses any electricity or electrical current is said to commit theft”. It said under Section 287 of the Code, there is an imprisonment for five years or with a fine, or with both fine and term of imprisonment.

AEDC also warned customers on tampering with electricity installations like unlawfully disconnecting, removing or interfering with any electric fittings, meters or other appliances used for generating or selling electricity.

It said such practice under Section 10 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, attracts imprisonment term for about 21 years for convicted persons.