News

EFL to disconnect illegal electricity connections

February 28, 2019 6:57 am

Energy Fiji Limited will disconnect any illegal electricity connections as they are not permitted and deemed unsafe.

EFL is aware illegal connections are common in informal settlements as people tend to use extension cords to share electricity.

In an email response on this issue – EFL says that sharing electricity is a hazard and can lead to fatalities.

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“We have been made aware of some EFL account holders in or around informal settlements who have been providing/selling electricity to other neighboring dwellings (who are not connected to the EFL grid) using extension cords. This is not permitted, is illegal & unsafe. Where identified, we have disconnected all the illegal connections.”

Some residents from various squatter settlements in Suva have also revealed they pay an unbelievable amount of money to those who supply power in the area.

“In this area – the well-off people actually supply electricity to those who don’t have power. They can connect to almost thirty people at once during the night. And the households who use this power pay almost $20 a night. At the end of the week it’s like $80.”

Another resident says the practice of sharing has become a business.

“When EFL officers come to the area – they can’t see the extension cords from house to house simply because it’s underground. Those supplying electricity put the extension cords in pipelines and are connected underground. But people with descent salary who shouldn’t be living here are carrying this out.”

In the email – EFL says they discourage any illegal electricity connection.

“EFL teams visit informal settlements to read meters, repair faults and install new meters as and when required. It is illegal and unsafe to sell electricity to other resident via extension cords.”

EFL says it continues to maintain a power supply that is consistent with the required standards of safety, security and quality.