18,346 electricity theft cases detected in 2021— EMRC

AMMAN — The Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) on Wednesday said that a total of 18,346 electricity thefts were detected in 2021. The number of electricity theft lawsuits reached 1,768 during the last year, with courts issuing rulings for 610 cases, according to the EMRC annual report cited by the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The law stipulates that anyone who tampers with the electrical system or is involved in electricity theft faces possible imprisonment ranging from six months to two years, a fine between JD2, 000 and JD10, 000, or both.

Under the law, all those who intentionally vandalise, destroy or hinder the work of power facilities or cause them any damage shall face imprisonment ranging between one and three years, or a fine ranging between JD2,000 and JD100,000, or both. The penalty can be stiffened if the violation causes danger to public safety.

The report showed that the EMRC revenues amounted to JD15,981,943, expenses stood at JD10,588,732 and the surplus reached JD5, 393,211.