Egypt Daily News – The Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy in Egypt is taking significant measures to combat electricity theft by implementing new regulations and increasing fines. Here’s a summary of the key changes:
Increased Fines: The fine for individuals guilty of electricity theft will be raised to 100,000 Egyptian pounds. This new amount is intended to deter individuals from stealing electricity and is part of a broader effort to “settle” ongoing theft issues.
Changes to Billing Procedures: Previously, charges for electricity theft were calculated based on average monthly consumption multiplied by the highest tariff.
However, with the new regulations, the “dispersion factor” used for billing has been eliminated. Instead, anyone caught stealing electricity will face a fixed fine of 100,000 pounds per incident reported.
List of Offenders: Distribution companies have submitted a comprehensive list to the Ministry of Supply containing the names and national ID numbers of over 4 million individuals reported for electricity theft. This initiative aligns with the government’s plan to revoke food commodity subsidies for those found guilty.
Coded Meters Implementation: The Electricity Regulatory Authority has announced the cancellation of the tiered billing system for coded meters installed in properties caught stealing electricity. These coded meters will now be charged at a fixed rate of 214.5 piasters per kilowatt from the very first kilowatt used, regardless of the amount consumed.
Regulatory Background: The new rules and fines derive from Article 32 of the commercial regulations, emphasizing accountability for electricity theft and providing stricter enforcement measures against violators.
These changes reflect a concerted effort by the Egyptian government to reduce electricity theft, preserve resources, and ensure fair access to electricity services across the population.
