LEC Hunts Power ‘Thieves’ With New Measures

The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) says, it has intensified efforts to curb power theft, and improve revenue collection through increased inspections, decentralization of operations, and the introduction of smart metering technology.

Philip K. Farley, LEC Head of Media, Communications and Public Affairs, said, the measures form part of the corporation’s strategic plan, which identifies digital transformation as one of its five key pillars.

Farley said, the digital transformation initiative is intended to reduce paperwork, and minimize physical interactions between customers, and the LEC, while improving the monitoring, and management of electricity consumption.

“This is why we have introduced the smart meter, and we engaged a partner.”

Farley said, the smart meters will have security features designed to protect both LEC’s revenue, and customers by providing more accurate information on energy consumption.

The technology, he said, will also enable customers to monitor their electricity usage, and make better financial decisions regarding their energy consumption.

Farley disclosed how the LEC has adopted a three-pronged approach to address power theft, including increased inspections, decentralization of operations, and the deployment of technology.

By that, the corporation has increased inspections of homes, and other facilities, with teams conducting operations during both the day and night.

The decision to increase nighttime inspections followed observations that some individuals were shifting suspected illegal electricity activities from daytime to nighttime.

Farley said, the increase in electricity consumption from day to night has prompted the LEC to intensify its nighttime operations.

“The second mechanism we have employed is decentralizing the offices in the different districts that each district will have its own operational team.”

He warned that LEC teams will conduct regular inspections to identify, and address illegal connections, and other forms of electricity theft.

Farley cautioned that individuals found engaging in electricity theft would face the full weight of the law.

The corporation’s third mechanism involves the introduction of smart meters, and other technological systems that will allow electricity monitoring to become more efficient, and less dependent on manual processes.

Farley disclosed how LEC’s partner has already begun supplying smart meters, with plans to expand their installation to other communities, and electricity feeders.

The initiative is expected to strengthen revenue protection, improve accountability, and give customers greater control over their electricity consumption.

Farley emphasized that the combination of increased inspections, decentralized operations, and smart technology is intended to reduce power theft while improving the corporation’s overall service delivery.