WHAT IS JPS DOING ABOUT ELECTRICITY THEFT?
In the last five years alone, we have invested billions of dollars and have implemented numerous initiatives to address the problem. While we have been successful in containing electricity theft, we have had only limited success in permanently reducing the percentage of electricity lost to theft. Recognizing that persons continue to find newer and more sophisticated ways to steal electricity, we have intensified our efforts to deal with the problem. In fact, we plan to spend US$9M each year, over the next five years, to reduce losses by at least 1% per annum. Our anti-theft programmes include: AMI Metering for Residential Customers Experience and research confirms, that the more exposed the power distribution network, and the more accessible the meters, the greater the possibility of energy being stolen through illegal ‘throw-up’ lines, meter tampering, and other means. In light of this, our anti-theft strategies include a number of measures to reduce access to JPS equipment and lines.
