The House of Representatives’ Legislative Committee has given its initial approval to a government-proposed bill amending certain provisions of the electricity law, Law #87 of 2015.
The Committee Chairman, Mohamed Eid Mahgoub, announced the postponement of discussions on the bill’s articles until the Minister of Electricity attends and provides the data and statistics requested by the representatives.
Mahgoub said on Monday that the proposed amendments include stricter penalties for employees who commit crimes related to the improper connection of electricity.
He explained that these crimes showcase clear ill intent, given that employees in the sector are aware of the law and the proper legal procedures for connecting electricity.
He added that in the event of a settlement and payment of the specified amount, the criminal case is completely dismissed.
A member of the committee, Salah Fawzy, announced his approval of the draft amendment to the Electricity Law, stating that the reason for his approval was that it increases the penalties for electricity theft, and that such stricter measures have become necessary to combat this phenomenon.
A source at the Ministry of Electricity said that the anticipated harsher penalties under the new electricity law align with the ministry’s efforts to reduce losses due to electricity theft and will streamline its operations.
The source explained that eradicating electricity theft will only be fully achieved by completely transforming the electricity grid into a “smart” system.
The source added that the government aims, through this law, to encourage citizens to voluntarily adhere to legal electricity consumption guidelines.
Implementing this law would save the ministry billions in annual losses.
Minister of Electricity, Mahmoud Esmat meanwhile held a meeting to discuss the ministry’s work plan and explore ways to rationalize consumption and combat electricity theft.
