The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has issued a warning that any Nigerian caught engaging in illegal connection and meter bypass will face a fine of up to N100,000.
This warning was stated in a revised order on unauthorized access, meter tampering, and bypass that was released on Tuesday.
The Commission has stated that fines will vary between N100,000 and N300,000 depending on the customer’s category.
Effective from January 22, 2025, the Amended Order on Unauthorized Access, Meter Tampering, and Bypass replaces Order No: NERC/REG/41/2017.
NERC has mentioned that this amendment is in accordance with the Electricity Act of 2023 and the Customer Protection Regulations of 2023, allowing distribution companies to disconnect unauthorized connections without notice and enforcing specific reconnection conditions.
“Customers who bypass meters or gain unauthorised access must pay administrative charges (including meter replacement costs) and reconnection,” the order stated.
The main goal of this order is to reduce unauthorized access to electricity, meter tampering, and bypass, as well as to establish clear reconnection guidelines.
