Power theft, destruction of electricity facilities to attract 3-year jail term

The new Electricity Act 2023 (EA) prescribes more punishment for Nigerians who steal power, illegally connect electricity, tamper with metering devices, or embark on the destruction of facilities belonging to operators in the value chain. The new law replaces the Electricity Power Reform Act (2005) and prescribes a conviction of a fine not less than three times the amount calculated for the infraction or at least three years imprisonment or both. The law was announced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), to reiterate the timelines for resolving customers’ complaints by the power Distribution Companies (Discos). In the case of provision of a new or additional power connection, NERC, in a note, said it must not go beyond 10 days, while meter repositioning should not exceed five days. It said in cases of planned power outages, it must be announced between three to five days before the blackout takes effect. According to the sector regulator, the replacement of faulty prepaid meters or any equipment fault must take effect within two days. It stated that transformer fuse replacement, reconnection after payment, minor equipment faults, voltage fluctuation and safety hazards must be fixed in 24 hours.