By Ediri Ejoh
The management of one of the largest electricity distribution companies in Nigeria, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, IKEDC, Staturday called on the Federal Government to help curb the increasing rate of energy theft by customers, saying it is losing a huge amount of money as a result.

This was even as the company has commenced campaign against sabotage of the new meters currently being distributed across it network of coverage which is in line with the regulatory requirement to the DISCOs.

The company’s spokesman, Ikeja Electric, Mr. Felix Ofulue, said the company is focused on credible service delivery to its customers and also ensure that the meters are distributed to all customers for free.

Ofulue said some customers engage unqualified technicians to circumvent the laid down procedure for connecting electricity, citing a situation where a community in its coverage area hired a technician to install some electric poles which led to his electrocution.

In addition, the Disco also called on community leaders in its areas of jurisdiction to support its efforts to improve electricity supply situation, by desisting from harassing staff on official duties.

According to Ofulue, “Our staffs are not allowed to carry-out their official duties in some communities; there are situations where they are even attacked by members of the community.

In some communities we have to employ security agents to help protect our transformers which serve the same people.”

He revealed that apart from government establishments, which refuse to pay electricity bills, some individuals and corporate bodies also refuse to cooperate in terms of bill payment, thereby making it difficult for them to meet their financial obligation to their contractors.