Cameroon announced the launch of a nationwide operation against electricity fraud starting March 15. The decision is part of the government’s strategy to curb heavy financial losses in the power sector, the minister of water and energy said.
In a Feb. 5 statement, Energy Minister Gaston Eloundou Essomba said the crackdown is one of the key measures being taken in the post-renationalization phase of Eneo, Cameroon’s electricity distributor. The operation aims to reduce commercial losses and enforce existing regulations, he said.
Electricity fraud in Cameroon officially generates annual losses estimated at more than CFA60 billion, undermining investment capacity and efforts to improve public electricity services. Sector officials say the losses further weaken a power industry that is already under severe financial strain.
Mr. Eloundou Essomba also said electricity fraud has been identified as one of the causes of repeated fires and cases of electrocution across the country.
To avoid sanctions during the operation, the minister urged all illegal users of electricity to immediately regularize their meters and installations to bring them into compliance with current standards.
BRM
