NISO Moves Against Energy Theft, Issues Fresh Directives to Discos, GenCos and Large Customers
By Cote Reporters
In a move to curb energy theft and strengthen the stability of electricity supply across Nigeria, the Nigerian Independent System Operator has issued fresh directives to Distribution Companies (Discos), Generation Companies (GenCos), eligible customers and large customers under the Discos.
The initiative follows growing concerns over electricity theft, which has continued to undermine the reliability and efficiency of the nation’s power sector.
Speaking after a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos involving Discos, GenCos, eligible customers and large DisCo customers connected to the Ikorodu–Sagamu 132kV double-circuit transmission line, Managing Director of Nigerian Independent System Operator, Abdu Mohammed Bello, said the agency had uncovered a high level of transmission losses arising from electricity theft along the corridor.
According to him, investigations showed that about 180 megawatts of electricity is being lost on the Ikorodu–Sagamu line — a volume he described as significant enough to affect grid operations and market revenues.
“The magnitude of the theft is unimaginable. The theft along that line is close to 180 megawatts, which is almost equivalent to the daily allocation of Jos Electricity Distribution Company,” he said.
Bello disclosed that some of the large customers linked to the theft are directly connected to Ikeja Electric and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.
He said the agency had briefed the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on the findings, adding that the regulator had endorsed further measures to tackle the problem.
According to him, the Ikorodu–Sagamu corridor will serve as a pilot project, with similar interventions expected to be extended to other transmission corridors facing related challenges.
To address the losses, Nigerian Independent System Operator directed operators to ensure minimum off-take compliance for eligible customers and proper metering classification in line with the Eligible Customer Regulations 2024 and the national metering code.
The agency also ordered the immediate recalibration of metering instruments, including current transformers and voltage transformers, to be carried out by the Transmission Company of Nigeria.
In addition, it mandated the installation of check meters and dedicated current and voltage transformers at all interface points, stressing that all meters and associated equipment must fully comply with metering code requirements, including accuracy standards, tamper-proof configuration, proper installation and compatibility with real-time monitoring systems.
Bello further announced the immediate constitution of a joint task force comprising Nigerian Independent System Operator, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, distribution companies and relevant enforcement agencies to carry out corridor-wide monitoring and coordinated enforcement aimed at eliminating systemic loopholes.
He added that market-based sanctions and commercial remedies would now be enforced against offenders.
According to him, all identified infractions will be subjected to energy reconstruction and back-billing, while erring customers will face financial penalties. Persistent offenders may be disconnected from the national grid, suspended from the electricity market and subjected to further regulatory sanctions.
Bello assured electricity consumers that ongoing reforms and new technologies would improve power system management and guarantee more reliable supply.
He noted that the ongoing deployment of a modern Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management System (SCADA/EMS) would enhance visibility, control and operational management of the national grid, helping to reduce disturbances and system outages.
