Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc has raised fresh concerns over the impact of electricity theft in Plateau State, saying illegal activities account for about 45% of the energy supplied across parts of its network.
The disclosure was made by the company’s Chief Operating Officer during a stakeholder engagement in Jos, where he warned that widespread meter bypass, illegal connections and vandalism of electricity infrastructure continue to undermine the financial sustainability of power distribution operations.
According to the official, the scale of commercial losses is placing significant pressure on the company’s ability to recover operating costs and invest in network upgrades needed to improve electricity supply.
The 45% figure represents JED’s internal assessment and has not been independently verified. However, available industry data indicates that electricity losses remain one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector.
According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the industry’s average Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) loss stood at 34.9% in the fourth quarter of 2025. ATC&C losses measure electricity lost through technical faults, energy theft, unpaid bills and collection inefficiencies, making it one of the key indicators used to assess the financial health and operational efficiency of electricity distribution companies.
JED has historically recorded relatively high loss levels. The company had previously reported losses of as much as 63% during earlier periods, suggesting that while the latest estimate remains substantial, it may also indicate gradual improvement in reducing losses over time.
Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies continue to face persistent liquidity constraints, driven largely by high ATC&C losses and weak revenue collection. Analysts say these financial pressures limit operators’ ability to modernise ageing infrastructure, expand metering programmes and improve service reliability for customers.
Industry experts have consistently identified electricity theft as one of the major factors affecting the commercial viability of the country’s power sector. Illegal connections, meter bypass and vandalism not only reduce revenues for distribution companies but also increase operational risks, damage equipment and compromise network stability.
JED called on security agencies, community leaders and electricity consumers to support efforts to curb energy theft and protect critical power infrastructure. The company said stronger enforcement against illegal activities, alongside increased customer awareness and improved metering, would be essential to reducing losses and strengthening electricity supply across Plateau State.
The appeal comes as Nigeria’s power sector continues to pursue reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency, enhancing cost recovery and attracting greater investment into electricity distribution.
