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Ikeja DisCo Condemns Rising Energy Theft Amid Tariff Increase

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Ikeja DisCo Condemns Rising Energy Theft Amid Tariff Increase

The Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (Ikeja DisCo) has expressed serious concerns over the surge in energy theft following the Band A tariff increase implemented three months ago. The company warned that offenders caught stealing electricity will face immediate prosecution, moving away from merely imposing penalties for revenue loss.

This announcement was made during the company’s July Stakeholders Forum. In a statement released on Saturday, Ikeja Electric’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kingsley Okotie, highlighted the alarming rise in energy theft, particularly after the tariff review on Band A feeders. He emphasized the critical impact of this theft on the entire electricity value chain.

“The theft is massive, and the company cannot guarantee meeting customer expectations if this ugly trend continues. Ironically, some perpetrators believe that if they haven’t been caught, there are no consequences. This is false, and we must change the narrative,” Okotie stated.

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Okotie stressed the importance of a united front against energy theft for the survival and stability of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. He pointed out that whatever affects power distribution companies has a ripple effect on the entire industry.

To combat this issue, Ikeja DisCo has implemented a whistleblowing platform, allowing customers to report incidents of theft anonymously. This platform is managed independently to ensure the confidentiality of whistleblowers.

“To reinforce the company’s commitment, IE is incentivising whistleblowing by rewarding those who report any illegality and theft of electricity. Persons who submit verified reports on Non-Maximum Demand (Residential & SMEs) offenders will get up to 10 percent of the reconnection fee paid by the offender, while for Maximum Demand (commercial & industrial) offenders, whistle-blowers will get up to 5 percent of the reconnection fees paid by the offender,” Okotie explained.

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He further noted that energy theft is a criminal offense under the Electricity Act, attracting sentences of six months to three years imprisonment. Interfering with meters or the works of licensees carries a sentence of three years imprisonment. Ikeja Electric has the legal authority to prosecute individuals and companies for such offenses.

According to regulations by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), unauthorized access, meter tampering, and bypassing meters allow DisCos to disconnect customers. Reconnection is only possible after offenders pay for the loss of revenue, back-bills established by the DisCo, reconnection costs, and administrative charges.

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General

Switzerland and Italy Redraw Alpine Border as Melting Glaciers Shift Boundaries

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Switzerland and Italy Redraw Alpine Border as Melting Glaciers Shift Boundaries

Switzerland and Italy have been compelled to redraw sections of their shared border in the Alps due to the ongoing effects of melting glaciers, driven by climate change. The revised boundary will affect areas near the iconic Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest peaks, and regions close to well-known ski resorts such as Zermatt.

The Swiss-Italian border is traditionally defined by glacier ridgelines or perpetual snow areas. However, as glaciers shrink, these natural demarcations have shifted, prompting both nations to adjust the border accordingly. A draft agreement was reached in May 2023 by a joint commission, and Switzerland officially approved the changes last Friday, with Italy’s final approval still pending.

The new borders, which will impact locations like Plateau Rosa, the Carrel refuge, and Gobba di Rollin, aim to address the practical needs of both countries, particularly in terms of maintaining natural areas. The clarified boundaries will also help resolve responsibility for managing these regions as the landscape continues to evolve.

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Melting glaciers have revealed a number of surprising discoveries in recent years, including the remains of a German climber missing since 1986, found last July near the Matterhorn. Such discoveries highlight the rapid rate at which the glaciers are retreating and the broader impacts of climate change on the region.

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Martinez Banned for ‘Offensive Behaviour’ by FIFA

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Martinez Banned for 'Offensive Behaviour' by FIFA

Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA for “offensive behaviour” during recent World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.

The suspension stems from two separate incidents. In the 3-0 win over Chile on September 6, Martinez controversially repeated his provocative celebration from the 2022 World Cup by holding a replica Copa America trophy against his crotch. This was Argentina’s first match since their Copa America victory in the United States in July.

Four days later, after Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Colombia on September 10, Martinez hit a camera with his gloves as a cameraman approached him on the pitch.

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The Argentina Football Association expressed disagreement with the suspension but acknowledged that Martinez was “responsible” for his actions. The ban means Martinez will miss Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia in October.

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Entertainment

Travis Kelce Impresses in Acting Debut: Cast and Crew Praise NFL Star’s Transition to TV”

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Ahead of Travis Kelce’s much-anticipated debut, his costars Courtney B. Vance, Raven Goodwin, and more expressed their admiration for the NFL star’s acting skills in exclusive interviews with E! News.

Travis made a remarkable impact on his Grotesquerie castmates, both on and off camera, leaving a lasting positive impression.

According to his TV family, he has great potential in acting. “Absolutely,” shared costar and executive producer Courtney B. Vance. “He was incredibly prepared and a wonderful, wonderful man.”

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Raven Goodwin echoed these sentiments, describing him as “lovely” and “gracious.” She noted, “He can do anything he wants to do. He’s Travis Kelce.”

Actress Micaela Diamond also highlighted his team spirit, saying, “I had a great time working with Travis. He’s such a dear.”

For both Micaela and Travis, Grotesquerie marks a significant milestone, as it’s their first big TV project. “We were just the newbies on set, learning from these amazing actors,” she explained.

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Nicholas Alexander Chavez was also impressed, saying, “I can’t believe it’s his first show. He brought so much confidence to the role.”

Ryan Murphy, the show’s creator, praised Travis’ charisma at the New York premiere. “A star is a star, and Travis is one,” Ryan remarked. “He’s so smart and so lovely.”

Off-set, Travis also had the support of his girlfriend Taylor Swift, who encouraged him to explore his new passion. Ryan shared, “She’s been very supportive of him, and I was thrilled about that.”

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