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The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has seized over 300 electricity meters from residents suspected of power theft during a two-day operation in Tamale. The operation, conducted between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., targeted the Kalpohin and Kukuo communities, where widespread meter bypassing and illegal connections were uncovered.
Maxwell Kotoka, NEDCo’s Corporate Communications Manager, spoke to JoyNews about the alarming findings, revealing that more than 300 offenders were discovered in just these two communities. He emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that NEDCo is already losing about 46% of its electricity to theft, with Tamale being one of the hardest-hit areas.
“We’ve conducted this operation in just two days, focusing on two communities, and we’ve already found over 300 offenders engaged in meter bypass and power theft,” Kotoka explained.
He added that the destruction of smart meters, a significant problem, is making it even harder for NEDCo to meet the growing demand for electricity. Rather than providing new customers with meters, the company is forced to replace damaged units.
“The sad reality is that as these meters are destroyed, it directly impacts the rest of us. The cost of replacing these smart meters is high, and when they’re damaged, we can’t use them for new customers,” Kotoka said.
NEDCo has already installed seven new transformers in the Tamale Metropolis, with additional units placed in Kpandai, Kete Krachi, and Bimbilla to improve power distribution. However, Kotoka warned that continued illegal connections could threaten these efforts.
“We urge residents to stop engaging in power theft and to help us ensure a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply,” he concluded.
NEDCo has pledged to prosecute those found guilty of power theft and further warned that illegal connections undermine the company’s infrastructure investments.
Story by Efua Nessa
Source: Loco tv and