The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has confiscated more than 300 electricity meters from residents suspected of engaging in power theft during a two-day dawn operation in Tamale.
The exercise, carried out between 5:30am and 6:30am, targeted the Kalpohin and Kukuo communities, where officials uncovered widespread meter bypassing and illegal connections.
Speaking to JoyNews, NEDCo’s Corporate Communications Manager, Maxwell Kotoka, said the operation revealed over 300 offenders within just two communities.
He described the situation as alarming, noting that the company is already losing about 46 percent of its electricity to theft, with the Tamale Metropolis being one of the hardest-hit areas.
““What we have done in just two days, to go at the break of day between 5:30 and 6:30, and so far we have done only two communities. We have found more than 300 who are culpable, who have engaged in bypass, meter power theft,” he said.
He added that the destruction of smart meters is compounding the challenge of meeting demand, as NEDCo is forced to replace damaged units instead of supplying new customers.
According to him, the losses from power theft are undermining investments in electricity infrastructure, despite recent efforts to improve supply.
“The sad part is that in the process they have damaged a good deal of these meters and the meters are pretty expensive. They are smart meters, and so when you destroy them like this, we the consumers are the very same people who will come and complain that when we ask for meters we don’t get,” he added.
He disclosed that seven new transformers have been installed in the Tamale Metropolis, with additional units deployed to Kpandai, Kete Krachi, and Bimbilla to enhance power distribution.
Mr. Kotoka warned that continued illegal connections could jeopardise these improvements, stressing that those found culpable will be prosecuted.
NEDCo has urged residents to desist from power theft and support efforts to ensure reliable and sustainable electricity supply.
“Now look at the challenge we have. When we invest in meters and in two days, two communities can destroy in excess of 300 – when we bring the next set of meters we are compelled to replace the damaged meters instead of spreading them and making them available to new applicants,” he noted.
