It seems that the government is moving forward with limiting violations related to electricity, aiming to ensure its provision through legal and safe methods. Represented by the Ministry of Energy, the government has started unveiling the draft of the 2024 General Electricity Law, which reflects a fundamental shift in the policy to combat electricity theft and tampering with power networks.
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However, the details of this project are still under discussion, as it introduces a set of amendments that would impose unprecedentedly severe penalties on violators, reflecting a dire need to enhance oversight on these vital resources and protect them from illegal exploitation.
Undoubtedly, we need more effective deterrence and stricter laws, but with reason, so as not to provoke public outrage. One of the most notable features of the bill is the increase in penalties under the temporary General Electricity Law No. 64 of 2002, which addresses tampering with electric meters or stealing electricity. Previously, penalties included imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years or fines ranging between 2,000 and 10,000 dinars. However, the new bill has increased these penalties significantly, with imprisonment ranging from 1 to 3 years, along with fines no less than 5,000 dinars and up to 10,000 dinars.
The new and more dangerous addition in the bill is the imposition of strict penalties on storing electricity in excess of the limit set by the Energy Authority, which would lead to imprisonment from 1 to 3 years, with a fine of up to 200,000 dinars. This type of violation was not previously penalized under the current law.
The bill does not stop at the two previously mentioned penalties but also
addresses tampering with electric meters and removing seals. It has intensified penalties in these cases, increasing the imprisonment term from the previous range of 1 month to 3 years, to now being 1 to 2 years, along with fines ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 dinars. This is due to the severe losses incurred by companies and consumers alike as a result of such actions.
In summary, the 2024 Electricity Law draft includes other substantial amendments that I have not discussed here, undoubtedly aimed at tightening penalties for electricity-related violations as well. Therefore, we should explore the pros and cons of this law to assess how well it achieves justice and equality among citizens.
The positives here are reducing energy losses, improving electricity consumption efficiency, regulating energy storage to promote the use of renewable energy, and other aspects that will positively impact citizens in the future.
On the negative side, the harsh penalties may seem exaggerated in some cases, such as imposing up to 3 years in prison and large fines for storing electricity, which might not be proportionate in certain situations. Additionally, the increased fines may burden low-income groups, which some may view as similar to the traffic law that caused an uproar previously.
In conclusion, while the draft law represents an important step toward improving electricity consumption and protecting the network, the severe penalties might need review to ensure a balance between deterrence and fair enforcement, taking into account the different circumstances within society.
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