5,671 cases of electricity theft uncovered since January

AMMAN — Authorities uncovered 5,671 cases of electricity theft during the first quarter of this year, Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) Chief Commissioner Farouq Hiyari said on Wednesday.

A total of 484 cases were referred to the courts, while rulings were issued in 478 cases, he was quoted by the Jordan News Agency, Petra as saying.

Among these cases, 122 cases were filed by the Jordanian Electric Power Company (JEPCO), 201 by the Irbid District Electricity Company (IDECO) and 30 by the Electricity Distribution Company (EDCO), the chief commissioner pointed out. 

JEPCO is responsible for providing power to the central region that comprises the governorates of Amman, Zarqa, Madaba and Balqa, while IDECO supplies the northern governorates of Irbid, Jerash, Ajloun and Mafraq. The southern governorates of Aqaba, Tafileh, Maan and Karak receive power from EDCO.

The cases were discovered as part of 75,759 periodic inspections implemented by EMRC staff and stakeholders, he stated, adding that the commission alone uncovered 2,791 cases while electricity distribution companies found 2,050 cases and public security and gendarmerie departments’ personnel discovered 830 cases.

Last year, courts issued rulings in 478 cases, 150 of which were registered within JEPCO’s region, 201 cases in IDECO’s zone and 127 cases within EDCO’s area.

If convicted, suspects in electricity theft cases face imprisonment from six months to two years, or a fine between JD2,000 and JD10,000, or both penalties.

Under the law, all those who intentionally vandalise, destroy or hinder the work of power facilities or cause them any damages shall face imprisonment terms between one to three years or a fine ranging between JD2,000 and JD100,000 or both penalties. Penalty can be stiffened if the violation causes danger to the public safety. 

In July 2015, the EMRC launched a campaign to raise awareness on the need to combat power theft.

As part of the campaign, about 100,000 brochures have been distributed, and several bulk messages were sent to mobile subscribers on the issue in collaboration with the ICT Ministry, highlighting penalties imposed on those who steal electricity.