…Empowers DisCos to impose appropriate penalties on culprits
In an attempt to curb the increasing incidences of energy theft nationwide, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has rolled out standardized guidelines for discovery of any form of unauthorized access by electricity consumers.
The 13th-point Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) are steps or actions expected of electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to follow in efforts to identify, confirm and prosecute culprits of energy theft.
NERC mandated DisCos implement appropriate penalties on legal entities found guilty of unauthorised access in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Among other steps reel out, NERC said DisCos “shall employ surveillance techniques to monitor suspicious activities or behaviours in suspected areas, gathering additional evidence as necessary.
Further, the DisCos “shall physically inspect and examine meters in suspected areas for signs of tampering, illegal connections, or unauthorised modifications. Conduct integrity tests on suspected meters, capturing evidence of tampering through video and photographic documentation in the presence of the customer or their representative.
Other SOP are as outlined and detailed below:
Distribution Companies shall identify areas suspected of unauthorised access based on anomalies in consumption patterns, irregularities in billing, or other suspicious indicators.
Distribution Companies shall conduct a comprehensive analysis of electricity consumption data, billing records, and other relevant information to detect any discrepancies or abnormalities indicating potential unauthorised access.
Distribution Companies shall employ surveillance techniques to monitor suspicious activities or behaviours in suspected areas, gathering additional evidence as necessary.
Distribution Companies shall physically inspect and examine meters in suspected areas for signs of tampering, illegal connections, or unauthorised modifications. Conduct integrity tests on suspected meters, capturing evidence of tampering through video and photographic documentation in the presence of the customer or their representative.
Distribution Companies shall conduct field inspections to visually assess the condition of distribution infrastructure, including power lines, transformers, and distribution boxes, to identify any unauthorised connections or illegal activities.
Distribution Companies shall interview witnesses, residents, or local authorities to gather information about observed instances of unauthorised access or suspicious activities. Document all interviews conducted.
Distribution Companies shall employ advanced technologies, such as advanced metering infrastructure, data analytics, and monitoring systems, to detect abnormal consumption patterns and potential instances of unauthorised access.
Distribution Companies shall ensure all legal and regulatory requirements, inspections and evidence gathering.
Distribution Companies shall maintain the process, including meter test results, witness statements, and any actions taken investigation procedures comply with obtain necessary permissions for detailed records of the investigation video and photographic evidence, witness statements, and any actions taken.
Distribution Companies shall issue a disconnection notice if meter tampering, bypass, or malfunction is confirmed.
Distribution Companies shall disconnect the customer’s premises after issuing a disconnection notice in accordance with established procedures.
Distribution Companies shall actions against individuals or following due process, and regulations, implement appropriate penalties and legal entities found guilty of unauthorised access, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Distribution Companies shall collaborate with law enforcement agencies to facilitate legal actions and enforcement against individuals or entities involved in unauthorised access to the electrical distribution infrastructure within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
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