Maria David
DURING the recently concluded Token Identifier (TID) Project by Northern Electricity Distribution (NORED), a total of 520 electricity meter boxes were found to be bypassed or illegally connected to the grid across their area of operations.
NORED spokesperson Simon Lukas said electricity theft, in the form of illegal connections and tampering with electricity meters through bypasses, particularly in informal settlements or peri-urban communities, remains a growing concern.
He indicated that 80% of these cases were recorded in informal areas.
He explained that part of the rationale put forward by people engaging in these highly risky and criminal activities is that a slow rollout of electricity provision—particularly in informal settlements—leads residents to engage in illegal connections or creates opportunities for those who facilitate them, as people want to enjoy the benefits of electricity.
Secondly, Lukas said some individuals believe that electricity is very expensive, and illegal connections are their way of making ends meet. Lastly, he cited a lack of awareness and understanding of how these criminal activities increase operational costs, endanger those committing the crimes, compromise infrastructure, and pose risks to NORED staff members who work on electricity installations.
“We detect illegal electricity connections through a combination of methods, including routine inspections by field technicians, monitoring of power consumption patterns through meter readings, collaboration with law enforcement—such as the Namibian Police—and public awareness initiatives, including radio talk shows and community meetings,” he said.
He added that they intend to intensify community awareness, particularly targeting informal areas, to educate people on the legal consequences of electricity theft and encourage them to comply with the law.
Further, Lukas said that this serious crime also causes unplanned power interruptions, damages equipment and infrastructure, and places entire communities at risk, especially vulnerable members such as children who may be exposed to dangerous, unsafe wires while playing outdoors.
He stressed that illegal connections can also create imbalances in the network, affecting its stability and efficiency.
He then cautioned customers, stating that electricity is extremely dangerous and must always be provided legally and safely to prevent loss of innocent lives and injuries.
