One thing countries across the world strive for is energy security. Governments aim to ensure that there is a constant power supply. However, one of the major hindrances to energy security is electricity theft despite these efforts. Electricity theft robs the electricity sector and affects consumers more than they know.
Electricity theft is the illegal connection of cables to power points to access electricity. Individuals interfere with electric service by attempting to bypass the electric meter at a service panel, known as power theft. Some methods of electricity theft include meter tampering, illegal tapping of wires and cables, and tapping overhead lines of transformers. Tampering can lead to dangerous situations, such as electrical shock, fire, explosion, or death.
Some argue that electricity theft is caused by the inaction of the regulators and electricity service providers. They argue that the government does not perform its duties in specific areas, allowing citizens to take laws into their hands. They also believe that the estimated billing system used in Nigeria is inaccurate and that the amount billed to customers does not reflect their energy use; hence they are allowed to circumvent the payments systems.
Electricity theft is also a costly endeavour. According to Cision Newswire, the global financial loss from electricity theft is about $96 billion annually. The United States alone suffers from a $6 billion loss. India is also at high risk caused by electricity theft due to wrong connections. Electrical appliances frequently explode, causing fire accidents leading to loss of lives. According to some estimates, up to 40% of India’s electricity is unpaid. In Nigeria, electricity theft costs the sector about $867 million annually.
Many have proposed several measures to curb vandalism and electricity theft in Nigeria. From codifying theft in the criminal act to providing meters for improved collections. However, curbing theft will require synergy from all stakeholders. Both government and citizens need to work together to actualise the solutions. Firstly, governments need to implement regulatory policies to ensure that quality electricity is affordable and utilities meet that service quality. The introduction of smart meters. Smart meters will provide real-time monitoring and data and indicate when there has been tampering with the electricity connection. Rigorous customer education and enlightenment are needed to improve awareness of the dangers of tampering and the effects of electricity theft on the electricity market. Finally, laws that criminalise electricity theft and electrical installation tampering should be enforced to deter customers from tampering with electrical installation.