Suspected Vandal Arrested As PHED Warns Against Electricity Theft.
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc (PHED) has confirmed the arrest of a suspected vandal, Moses Joel, who was caught attempting to steal critical power assets worth millions of Naira.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, March 15, in Eteo, Eleme Local Council, Rivers State. The suspect, a young man in his twenties from Delta State, was apprehended by vigilant residents who had been keeping watch due to rising criminal activities in the area.
Joel was caught pulling down poles insulated with copper, allegedly intending to sell them in the unregulated market. At the time, PHED was in the process of constructing and stringing electrical lines in the community.
PHED Condemns Act of Vandalism
In a statement, PHED’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olubukola Ilevbare, confirmed the arrest, stating that the company suffers from daily acts of vandalism, which significantly disrupt electricity supply and result in substantial financial losses.
She praised the residents for their swift action and urged the public to remain vigilant to prevent further sabotage.
“The actions of these vandals undermine our efforts in service delivery and deprive loyal customers of their right to electricity supply,” Ilevbare said.
She further warned that vandals would no longer go unpunished, citing strict laws against electricity-related offences, which include up to 21 years’ imprisonment for convicted offenders. Joel has since been handed over to the Onne Divisional Police for further investigation.
PHED Sensitises Customers on Meter Tampering and Bypass
Meanwhile, PHED has launched a sensitisation campaign to educate customers on the dangers of unauthorised electricity access, meter tampering, and bypass.
Ilevbare revealed that electricity-related infractions have risen by 25 per cent, posing a serious threat to the company’s sustainability.
She outlined key offences, including:
– Unauthorised access – Illegal connection to the electricity supply without approval.
– Meter tampering – Deliberate interference with meter components to alter readings.
– Meter bypass – Directly diverting power from the meter to avoid accurate consumption records.
To curb these illegal practices, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has introduced Order No: NERC/2024/148, which imposes strict penalties on offenders.
Penalties for Electricity Infractions
Under the new regulations, the fines include:
– N100,000 for first-time single-phase meter offenders and N150,000 for repeat offences.
– N200,000 for first-time Three-Phase Meter offenders and N300,000 for repeat offences.
– N100,000 for first-time non-metered customers and N150,000 for repeat offences.
Additional administrative charges may also apply, and PHED is working closely with law enforcement agencies to prosecute serial offenders.
Call for Public Cooperation
Ilevbare urged residents, particularly those in the Woji axis of Port Harcourt, to refrain from energy theft and report any suspicious activities. She encouraged the public to use PHED’s 24/7 call centre on 070022557433 or reach out via the company’s social media platforms to report electricity theft.
She emphasised that electricity vandalism and illegal connections not only sabotage the company’s efforts but also lead to power outages and prolonged blackouts, affecting the wider community.
