Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has intensified its efforts to permanently curb theft targeting the power infrastructure under its management, the institution’s Security and Administrative Affairs Department announced.

Department Director Ato Kelil Shifa said theft of power transmission line towers not only causes significant financial losses to EEP but also leads to widespread power interruptions, creating serious social and economic consequences for the public.

He noted that, in response to the negative impact of infrastructure damage on the national economy, EEP has introduced a range of preventive measures.

These include the establishment of a dedicated infrastructure security unit and the implementation of protection mechanisms involving local communities and militia forces in areas most affected by theft.
According to Ato Kelil, during the current budget year, a total of 1,411 transmission towers across five regions are being guarded by assigned personnel.

He identified key areas under protection as Koyefetche, Awash Arba, and the 7 Kilo area around Addis Ababa, as well as locations surrounding Hawassa and Shashemene, and the Wolaita Sodo and Sawla corridors.

The Director further disclosed that EEP has reached agreements under which kebeles and woredas entrusted with safeguarding transmission towers will be held accountable if theft occurs and perpetrators are not apprehended.

He also said that former members of the National Defense Force have been deployed to monitor and secure the towers after receiving specialized training from the Ministry of Defense and the National Intelligence and Security Service.

Ato Kelil added that EEP is developing a long-term strategy to prevent infrastructure theft by strengthening collaboration with communities and security forces along all power transmission routes.

He emphasized that the approach is aimed at fostering a sense of ownership among local communities to ensure sustainable protection of national power assets.