Worried about the increasing cases of energy theft and vandalism of its equipment, the Ikeja Electric has solicited the cooperation of stakeholders in tackling the menace within its network.
Head, Corporate Communications, Ikeja Electric, Mr. Felix Ofulue, who made the appeal at a gathering of community media publishers, bemoaned the alarming cases of illegal connections, meter bypass, apathy to payment of electricity bills as well as vandalism of equipment in recent times.
Ofulue noted that there are instances where customers using prepaid meters connive with electricians to bypass meters with the aim of evading payment for energy consumed.
He said: “Despite the company’s huge investments in power equipment, infrastructure upgrade and network optimization which run into billions of naira, the negative impact of the rising cases of energy theft and vandalism has become worrisome to the company, that is why we have commenced intensive campaign against energy theft and vandalism across our Business Units in order to curb these illegalities, while also soliciting the support of communities to assist Ikeja Electric in curbing these illegal activities.”
“The provision of improved and stable electricity supply is a collective responsibility that requires collaboration of stakeholders and should not be treated lackadaisically, as the ricocheting effect will not only impede progress in the power sector and affect revenue, but will also erode the quality of electricity supply to our customers,” he added.
Ofulue stated that the company has intensified efforts towards closing the metering gap within its network by ensuring postpaid customers acquire prepaid meters seamlessly, whilst the DisCo has also stepped up its sensitisation campaigns against meter bypass across its six Business Units.
He warned those behind the unlawful acts to desist from such wrong doings, pointing out that the offences are punishable under Section 94(3) of the EPSRA Act 2005 and culprits are liable to imprisonment for period of not less than five years and not more than seven years.
He reiterated the company’s commitment to curbing energy theft, vandalism and other illegalities perpetrated by these unscrupulous elements within its network and urged community leaders and customers to avoid taking laws into their hands by carrying out jungle justice.
He urged community leaders to endeavour to report cases of energy theft through its whistle-blowing platform,exopressyourself@ikejaelectric.com
and to also handover any apprehended vandals to police authorities for prosecution, while making sure that adequate security measures are put in place to safeguard the infrastructure within their communities.
According to Ofulue, the company has been working closely with security agencies to address issues of vandalism, energy theft including assault on IE staff.
He advised customers to desist from attacking Ikeja Electric staff who are carrying out their lawful duties.
He also urged customers who have complaints or issues that need to be addressed to contact customer care unit through customercare@ikejaelectric.com, or 01-7000250, 01-2272940 or visit the nearest office. For emergencies, customers can call the emergency line 081-800-00741.