The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has raised penalties for electricity customers found bypassing or tampering with their meters.
According to a newly published order, offenders will pay fines ranging from N100,000 to N300,000, depending on the type of meter. Additionally, reconnection costs have been set at N10,000 for Non-MD customers and N50,000 for Maximum Demand (MD) customers.
For first-time offenders, penalties include:
- N100,000 for Non-MD Single Phase meters
- N200,000 for Non-MD Three Phase meters
- 450% of the last recorded monthly consumption for MD customers
Repeat offenders face higher penalties, with MD customers paying 600% of their last recorded consumption.
NERC stated that the order aims to curb illegal electricity access, ensure compliance, and establish clear reconnection guidelines. Distribution companies must also report all cases of meter bypass and tampering to the commission monthly.
