JED Plc launches Power Watch energy theft drive to curb illegal connections, boost revenue recovery, and improve electricity supply efficiency

Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED Plc), launched a new initiative tagged Power Watch energy theft drive aimed at tackling the rising incidence of electricity theft and other illegal activities undermining its operations across franchise states.

Also read: Travels, Tours and Hospitality Industry can improve Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange and GDP- MD/CEO Climax Travels and Tours, Jamiu Abiodun Ojediran

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of JED Plc, Engineer Sediko Douka, announced the initiative during its official unveiling, describing it as a strategic and urgent response to persistent infractions on the company’s distribution network.

Engineer Douka said the growing level of energy theft poses a serious threat to the sustainability of the organisation’s operations, warning that urgent intervention was required to safeguard the integrity of the power system.

“The level of energy theft we are currently experiencing is deeply concerning and poses a serious threat to the sustainability of our operations,” he said.

He explained that the Power Watch energy theft drive is designed to reduce Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses, improve revenue recovery, and enhance overall operational efficiency within the company’s franchise areas.

Douka further stated that the initiative would encourage stronger community participation in safeguarding electricity infrastructure while promoting responsible civic engagement through a structured reward mechanism.

“Power Watch is designed to strengthen community participation in protecting electricity infrastructure while promoting responsible civic engagement through a transparent reward system,” he said, adding that “every verified report will be rewarded based on the nature of the offence.”

He urged members of the public to actively support the programme by reporting illegal connections, meter bypass, unauthorised reconnections, and other forms of electricity-related fraud, stressing that public cooperation remains vital to its success.

Also speaking at the event, JED Plc spokesperson, Aliyu Saratu, assured that informants would be rewarded promptly under strict confidentiality, noting that the reporting channels had been designed for ease of access and reliability.

“Every genuine report will be treated with strict confidentiality and rewarded without delay,” she said.

She disclosed that reports can be submitted via dedicated phone lines, WhatsApp, and email, adding that the initiative is expected to deepen trust between the company and host communities.

Also read: Nigeria’s Financial Sector GDP Hits N6.58 Trillion in 2025

Saratu expressed optimism that the Power Watch energy theft drive would not only curb illegal activities but also strengthen accountability and improve service delivery across the network.