The Government of Sierra Leone has launched a nationwide crackdown on electricity theft and illegal power connections through the deployment of a joint National Revenue Protection Taskforce aimed at safeguarding revenue, strengthening regulatory compliance and improving electricity service delivery.
The taskforce comprises officials from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Office of National Security (ONS).
According to EDSA, the operation was initiated by the Government in response to growing concerns over substantial revenue losses resulting from electricity theft, meter tampering and other illegal practices across the national distribution network.
The Authority explained that these losses have placed considerable financial pressure on its operations, requiring significant Government subsidies to enable it to purchase electricity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs), including Karpowership and TRANSCO-CLSG.
The Government has warned that continued revenue leakages could place additional pressure on public finances and divert scarce resources from other critical sectors, including health, education and infrastructure development.
As part of its nationwide mandate, the taskforce will investigate and take appropriate action against individuals and businesses involved in meter bypassing, meter tampering, illegal direct connections commonly known as “jumpers”, and unauthorised reconnection of electricity supplies following disconnection.
The operation will also address billing irregularities and persistent non-payment of electricity bills as part of broader efforts to improve revenue collection and promote accountability within the power sector.
EDSA maintains that curbing electricity theft and ensuring customers pay for the power they consume are essential to strengthening the Authority’s financial position and supporting the sustainability of electricity supply across the country.
The Authority further reminded the public that the National Electricity Act 2011 and other applicable regulations provide the legal framework for taking action against individuals and entities involved in unlawful electricity-related activities.
Customers have consequently been urged to regularise their electricity connections and settle outstanding bills to avoid enforcement measures. EDSA warned that offenders could face disconnection, punitive surcharges, arrest and prosecution, in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
The Authority has also called on electricity consumers to cooperate fully with the taskforce, emphasising that protecting electricity revenue is a shared responsibility that directly affects the sustainability and efficiency of the country’s power supply system.
The nationwide initiative forms part of broader efforts to address financial losses in the electricity sector, improve compliance and strengthen the capacity of EDSA to deliver more reliable services to consumers.
EDSA stressed that reducing illegal connections and improving revenue collection would help safeguard resources needed to support electricity purchases, maintain the distribution network and improve service delivery.
The success of the operation will depend on sustained enforcement, public cooperation and compliance by electricity consumers as the Government seeks to address persistent challenges affecting the country’s power sector.