Freetown, 9th October 2026- The Government of Sierra Leone has established a National Revenue Protection Taskforce to combat illegal electricity connections and power theft across the country, amid growing concerns over the financial impact of the practice on the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA).
In a public notice issued on October 8, EDSA announced that the taskforce, made up of its personnel and members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), and the Office of National Security (ONS), has commenced nationwide operations targeting electricity theft and other forms of illegal power usage.
According to EDSA, the initiative was prompted by government concerns over substantial revenue losses resulting from widespread illegal connections, forcing the state to provide significant subsidies to enable the utility company to purchase electricity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
The authority stated that persistent revenue leakages over the years have contributed to mounting debts, placing increasing pressure on public finances. It warned that resources spent on subsidizing the electricity sector could otherwise be directed toward other key government development priorities.
The taskforce has been mandated to investigate and address various forms of electricity-related fraud, including meter bypassing, meter tampering, direct and unauthorized connections, illegal self-reconnections, billing irregularities, and unpaid electricity bills.
EDSA reminded consumers that electricity theft is a criminal offence and emphasized that the authority has legal powers to prosecute individuals engaged in such activities within its operational network.
The utility provider also cautioned customers and members of the public against engaging in illegal electricity practices, noting that such activities undermine the reliability and quality of power supply while negatively affecting the country’s socio-economic development.
Defaulters have been urged to regularize their connections and settle outstanding obligations to avoid enforcement measures. EDSA warned that offenders could face immediate disconnection, punitive surcharges, arrest, and prosecution as security personnel attached to the taskforce intensify compliance operations nationwide.
The launch of the taskforce signals a renewed government effort to strengthen revenue collection within the electricity sector and reduce losses associated with power theft.
