EDSA Deploys National Taskforce Against Electricity Theft
The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) says a national taskforce involving security personnel has begun operations across Sierra Leone to identify and tackle illegal electricity connections and power theft.
The National Revenue Protection Taskforce comprises EDSA staff and personnel from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), and the Office of National Security (ONS).
According to EDSA, the government established the taskforce in response to growing financial losses linked to electricity theft and other irregularities within the power distribution network.
The authority said these losses have contributed to an unsustainable debt burden, while government subsidies used to purchase electricity from independent power providers continue to place pressure on public resources that could otherwise be allocated to other priority programmes.
The taskforce will target several electricity-related offences, including meter bypassing, meter tampering, direct connections to the electricity network, unauthorised reconnection of disconnected services, billing irregularities, and outstanding electricity bills.
EDSA warned that customers found engaging in illegal activities could face immediate disconnection, punitive surcharges, arrest by the police, and prosecution.
The authority also stated that it has the power to prosecute individuals involved in illegal activities within its distribution network.
EDSA has urged customers with outstanding bills and those involved in unauthorised connections to regularise their accounts and comply with its requirements. The authority warned that the taskforce’s operations are already underway nationwide.
Comments