Factors influencing energy theft in Lagos state, Nigeria

Energy theft is prevalent in all countries, however, developing nations are worst hit due to weak legal and regulatory frameworks, poverty and corruption. This study was undertaken to understand the factors influencing energy theft in Lagos state, Nigeria. Using data captured from questionnaires and interviews, energy theft is perpetrated by men, especially those of working age. It is more common among low-income earners, including the unemployed and self-employed, who are struggling financially and do not understand the legal consequences of their actions. These people engage in energy theft mainly due to high energy prices, rewards and risk perception, severity of penalties, moral values, inequitable billing and metering issues, and corruption. Policies formulated to reduce energy theft should take into account provision of subsidies for low-income households, communicating the cost of electricity theft to consumers and improving metering and billing systems. Also, community leaders should be engaged to spread anti-theft messages so that people get to know the dangers of energy theft. The government should intensify grid surveillance and have the offenders charged and sentenced before courts to minimise energy theft.