3,900 electricity theft cases recorded so far this year — commission

AMMAN — The Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) on Saturday launched a campaign in the southern governorates to educate the public on the dangers and consequences of electricity theft.

Under the campaign, which covers the governorates of Tafileh, Maan and Karak, more than 25,000 brochures are being distributed to raise awareness on the need to combat the phenomenon, which is estimated to cost the country about JD60 million annually, EMRC Chief Commissioner Farouq Hiari told The Jordan Times.

In Aqaba, some 330km south of Amman, more than 7,000 brochures were distributed to raise awareness among the public on the dangers of electricity theft. In addition, a performance was held highlighting the risks and penalties in cases of electricity theft.

“Such awareness campaigns play a key role in fighting this phenomenon, which has been on the decline lately due to enforcement of the law and monitoring of violations,” Hiari said.

Raids carried out by the commission in cooperation with power companies detected 3,900 cases of electricity theft across the country since the beginning of this year, he added.

More than 50 per cent of those cases were referred to court, Hiari noted, stressing that the commission will continue its efforts to combat electricity theft in cooperation with involved partners.

He pointed out that electricity theft causes power cuts for a large number of subscribers as it increases the load on the national grid.

Hiari underscored the key role citizens play in combating this phenomenon by reporting any violations to power companies.

Current laws stipulate that any persons involved in stealing electricity face between six months and two years in prison and a fine of no less than JD2,000 and no more than JD10,000, or both penalties.