FREETOWN, 9th October 2026 – The Government of Sierra Leone has deployed a National Revenue Protection Taskforce across the country to clamp down on illegal electricity connections and power theft.
The taskforce comprises officials from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Office of National Security (ONS).
According to EDSA, the operation was launched at the instigation of the Government following growing concerns over massive revenue losses caused by electricity theft and other illegal practices within its network.
EDSA says these losses have placed the utility in a difficult financial position, forcing Government to provide huge subsidies to enable it to purchase power from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) like Karpowership and TRANSCO-CLSG.
Government has warned that continued leakages could divert scarce resources from other priority programmes in health, education and infrastructure.
What The Taskforce Will Do
The joint team has been mandated to investigate and take action against:
– Meter bypassing and meter tampering
– Illegal direct connections (popularly known as “jumper”)
– Unauthorized self-reconnection after disconnection
– Billing irregularities and long-term non-payment of bills
The nationwide operation is expected to improve revenue collection, strengthen compliance and enhance the reliability of electricity supply.
EDSA has reminded the public that under the National Electricity Act 2011 and other regulations, it has the legal authority to prosecute individuals and entities engaged in illegal electricity activities.
Customers are urged to regularize their connections and settle outstanding bills immediately. The Authority warned that violators face immediate disconnection, punitive surcharges, arrest and prosecution in court.
The Authority is calling on all customers to cooperate with the taskforce, stressing that protecting electricity revenue is essential not only for EDSA’s survival but also for improving service delivery and sustaining the broader power sector reforms.
