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. Mahgoub said on Monday that the proposed amendments include stricter penalties for employees who commit crimes related to the improper connection of electricity. 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. 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.
