{From WISEMAN Business Desk, Abakaliki}
Eastland Electricity Distribution Limited (EEDL) has expressed grave concern about the increasing occurrences of meter tampering and energy theft in Ebonyi State. The company reported identifying over 300 confirmed incidents, supported by thorough inspection reports, along with photographic and video evidence, during monitoring and enforcement activities in the first quarter of 2026.
This information was shared in a statement by Mrs. Patience Ezeagu, the Head of Communications for EEDL, provided to journalists in Abakaliki.
The statement indicated that these issues were detected following intensified inspection efforts by the company’s technical and commercial teams throughout the state, as part of ongoing initiatives to safeguard electricity infrastructure and enhance service delivery.
Ezeagu strongly criticized meter tampering and energy theft, labeling them as illegal, dangerous, and harmful to sustainable electricity supply.
“Meter bypassing and energy theft are criminal activities that undermine the power sector, damage vital infrastructure, and shortchange honest customers of quality service. Electricity facilities belong to the community, and when individuals interfere with meters or steal energy, the entire community suffers from outages and equipment failures,” she emphasized.
She pointed out that energy theft significantly contributes to transformer overloads, frequent power disruptions, rising operational costs, and safety risks, including fires and electrocutions.
Ezeagu also condemned instances where some customers reportedly attacked or hindered EEDL field personnel during inspection processes.
The Head of Communications reiterated EEDL’s dedication to fostering economic development in Ebonyi State through enhanced energy distribution and infrastructure upgrades.
“EEDL aims to collaborate with the people and government of Ebonyi State to promote development via reliable electricity supply. However, no electricity business can thrive or sustain improvements if energy theft persists,” she stated, underscoring the importance of responsible energy use for progress.
The company noted that customers identified as responsible for such theft have faced penalty charges according to existing electricity regulations, with additional enforcement measures, including disconnections and potential legal action, being considered if necessary.
EEDL also announced the increase in monitoring and surveillance operations throughout the state, urging customers engaged in meter bypassing or unauthorized connections to cease such activities and rectify their electricity supply to avoid penalties.
The company called on residents, community leaders, and stakeholders to assist in the fight against energy theft by reporting any suspicious electricity-related activities in their neighborhoods.
EEDL reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and efficient electricity services while safeguarding the interests of law-abiding customers throughout Ebonyi State.
