Ministry reveals electricity theft through prepaid meters

CAIRO - 8 February 2020: A number of prepaid meters users have been illegally getting electricity via unofficial connections seizing the opportunity that no inspectors check on their consumption causing losses to the company.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy Ayman Hamza told Egypt Today that total losses compose 15 percent of the electricity distributed and are worth LE2 billion.

The spokesperson stated that the Egyptian Electricity Holding Co. has set mechanisms to eliminate theft whether by users of traditional meters or users of prepaid meters.

Hamza added that the nine distribution companies operating across the country will launch intensive inspection campaigns pointing out that the holding company studies increasing the penalty for both the domestic and commercial segments.

He added that the users subject to inspection will be selected randomly; however, the prepaid meters of those who did not charge the card for three months will have their meters checked for violations.

A source at the ministry revealed that a smart meter will be installed in central distribution boards across the country in order to detect the locations of theft. The source added that a number of violators have been identified as they did not charge the card for months while their consumption did not decline. Inspection proved that the meters were manipulated. That is why the ministry considers assigning Shuaa company, which is in charge of getting traditional meters readings, inspection over prepaid ones.