NERC unveils revised order to combat electricity theft, meter tampering

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has launched a revised order designed to minimize unauthorized access to electricity, as well as instances of meter tampering and bypassing. 

This new order, which supersedes order no: NERC/REG/41/2017, became effective on January 22, 2025, and is in line with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Customer Protection Regulations (CPR) 2023.

Under the updated order, Distribution Companies (DisCos) are granted the authority to disconnect unauthorized connections without any prior notice. Furthermore, the order outlines conditions for reconnection to ensure adherence.

NERC emphasized that the key goals of the revised order include: “To diminish unauthorized access to electricity, meter tampering, and bypass; and to create clear reconnection guidelines to ensure compliance.”

According to Daily Independent, this new directive is aimed at combating the issue of electricity theft, fostering a culture of payment for electricity services, and ensuring a more sustainable electricity supply sector in Nigeria.