By: Wilmot Konah
Monrovia: The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) says it has recovered nearly five megawatts of illegally consumed electricity since launching its nationwide anti-power theft exercise, Operation Sweep, earlier this month.
The campaign, which began on February 12, has also resulted in the arrest of about 251 individuals, according to LEC’s Head of Media, Communications and Public Affairs, Philip Kamara Faley. He said some suspects remain in detention, while others are paying recovery fees amounting to hundreds of U.S. dollars.
“We are already seeing meaningful recovery of stolen power, and that energy is being restored to the national grid for the benefit of lawful customers,” Faley said. “This operation sends a clear message that electricity theft will not be tolerated.”
Faley noted that the initiative is targeting a total recovery of 10 megawatts as part of efforts to improve electricity stability and ensure equitable access. LEC has deployed enforcement teams for both daytime and nighttime inspections under the supervision of senior managers. Day operations focus on residential and commercial communities, while nighttime checks target high-consumption businesses including entertainment centers, frozen food companies, water production facilities, hotels, casinos, and selected homes with unusually high usage.
“No home or business found stealing electricity will be exempt from enforcement,” the Corporation said in its statement, urging the public to report illegal connections through its hotline, 4600.
