Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has confiscated more than 300 electricity meters during a two-day dawn operation targeting illegal power connections in Tamale.
The exercise, conducted between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., focused on the Kalpohin and Kukuo communities, where officials uncovered widespread meter bypassing and electricity theft.
According to NEDCo’s Corporate Communications Manager, Maxwell Kotoka, over 300 residents were found engaging in illegal connections. He noted that many of the meters had been damaged in the process, worsening the company’s financial losses.
NEDCo estimates that about 46 percent of its electricity is lost to theft, with the situation particularly severe in the Tamale Metropolis. The losses, officials say, are undermining the company’s operations and limiting its ability to provide new meters to customers.
Mr. Kotoka explained that resources meant for expanding access are instead being diverted to replace destroyed meters, many of which are costly smart devices. He added that the issue persists despite recent investments in power infrastructure, including the installation and replacement of transformers across Tamale, Kpandai, Kete Krachi, and Bimbilla.
He warned that individuals found culpable will face legal action, stressing that power theft ultimately affects service delivery and places an added burden on law-abiding consumers.