2023 Electricity Act - Electrical Offenders Risk 3 Years Jail Term or Pay a Fine of N1 Million

The 2023 Electricity Act, which was just signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addresses lots of issues electricity distribution companies suffer from and gives penalties for major and minor offenders. One of the most committed offenses is bypassing electricity lines to connect for selfish gains—this is defined as electricity theft and attracts penalties like imprisonment and payment of fines.  

Tapping, connecting, or interfering with licensed, franchised, or permitted overhead, subsurface, or submarine lines, cables, service wires, or facilities is illegal under the Act.

Electricity theft also includes the illicit consumption or usage that results from the tampering with, or otherwise improper use of, electricity meters. 

Punishment for Minor Electrical Related Offenses

According to the Act, a person who is found guilty of a crime is subject to a sentence of imprisonment for a time longer than three years, a fine, or both the sentence of imprisonment and the fine. In the event that the load consumed or used, or the attempted consumption or use, exceeds 10 kilowatts, the first sentence shall demand a punishment that is no less than three times the financial benefit that resulted from the theft of power.   

If the person commits the offense the second time, the imposed fine must be at least six times the amount of financial gain. If the load is greater than 10 kilowatts, the first conviction will result in a fine that is at least equal to three times the amount of money stolen through the theft of power. 

In the event of a second or subsequent conviction, the offender will be required to serve a minimum of six months and a maximum of three years in jail, in addition to paying a fine that is not less than six times the amount of the financial gain.

Individuals Who Steal Electric Lines or Involve in Materials Theft

Individuals who unlawfully cut, remove, take away or transfer any electric line, material, or meter from a tower, pole, installation, storage site, or any other location where it is rightfully located, including during transportation, are guilty of electric lines and materials theft, according to the Electricity Act.   

According to the Electricity Act, it makes no difference whether it is done for profit or gain. Individuals are guilty of theft of electric lines and materials if they hold, store, or keep any electric line, material, or meter on their premises, custody, or control without the consent of the licensee or owner.  

Individuals have the felony of stealing electric lines and materials if they transfer, carry, or relocate any electric line, material, or meter without the licensee's or owner's approval.

Punishment for Individuals Who Steal Electric Lines or Involve in Materials Theft

The offender faces imprisonment for a term of not less than three years and no more than five years, or a fine of not less than N500,000, or both. If a person who has already been convicted of these charges commits another similar offense, the individual or corporate body will face a five-year prison sentence or a fine of not less than N1,000,000.