Gov’t announces nationwide crackdown on electricity fraud from March 15.

The minister, per the release, stated that the move is to strengthen enforcement in the public power sector following the renationalisation of the electricity distributor, Energy of Camerooon, ENEO.

The document stressed that the “lightning operations” will be carried out across the country in collaboration with the public electricity service concessioner, and are aimed at identifying, preventing and sanctioning illegal practices linked to electricity consumption.

According to the ministry, the intensified checks form part of key actions adopted after ENEO returned to public ownership. The main objectives, he detailed, are to reduce commercial losses in the electricity sector and ensure strict application of existing laws and regulations governing electricity supply, metering and installations.

The authorities highlighted that electricity fraud represents a significant financial burden on the State. The practice is estimated to cause annual losses exceeding 60 billion FCFA, funds which could otherwise be used to invest in infrastructure, maintenance and the overall improvement of public electricity services nationwide. 

The ministry indicated that the losses negatively affect the capacity of the State to modernise and expand access to reliable electricity.

Beyond financial implications, electricity fraud has also been identified as a contributing factor to safety incidents. The government noted that illegal connections and non-compliant installations are among the causes of multiple fire outbreaks and cases of electrocution recorded in various parts of the country. These incidents pose risks to lives, property and public safety.

As part of the announced measures, all electricity users and consumers have been urged to take immediate steps to ensure that their meters and electrical installations comply with current technical and legal standards. 

The ministry stressed that compliance is necessary to avoid sanctions during the forthcoming inspections and to reduce risks associated with faulty or illegal connections.

The government further called on individuals and entities involved in the illegal use of electricity to regularise their situation without delay by bringing their installations into conformity with applicable regulations. 

The campaign is presented as a nationwide effort requiring the cooperation of consumers, operators and enforcement authorities.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3698 of Sunday February 08, 2026