Open Access

ARTICLE

Electricity Theft and Its Impact on Quality of Service in Lubumbashi, DR Congo

David Milambo Kasumba^1,*, Guy Nkulu Wa Ngoie², Hyacinthe Tungadio Diambomba^1,3, Matthieu Kayembe Wa Kayembe⁴, Flory Kiseya Tshikala¹, Bonaventure Banza Wa Banza¹

1 Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, P.O. Box 1825, Democratic Republic of the Congo
2 Department of Metallurgy, Polytechnic, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, P.O. Box 1825, Democratic Republic of the Congo
3 Department of Electrical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa
4 Department of Geography, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, P.O. Box 1825, Democratic Republic of the Congo

* Corresponding Author: David Milambo Kasumba. Email:

Energy Engineering 2025, 122(6), 2401-2416. https://doi.org/10.32604/ee.2025.063144

Received 06 January 2025; Accepted 26 March 2025; Issue published 29 May 2025

Abstract

Electricity theft significantly impacts the reliability and sustainability of electricity services, particularly in developing regions. However, the socio-economic, infrastructural, and institutional drivers of theft remain inadequately explored. Here we examine electricity theft in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on its patterns, causes, and impacts on service quality. Theft rates exceeded 75% in peripheral municipalities like Katuba and Kampemba, driven by poverty, weak law enforcement, and poor infrastructure dominated by above-ground networks. In contrast, central areas like Kamalondo and Lubumbashi reported lower theft rates due to better urban planning and underground systems. We found that electricity theft directly correlates with frequent voltage fluctuations, prolonged outages, and grid overloads. Socio-economic factors, including high connection fees and poverty, emerged as primary drivers, while institutional weaknesses such as corruption and ineffective enforcement perpetuate theft. Addressing theft requires a holistic approach integrating infrastructure modernization, socio-economic reforms, and institutional strengthening. Transitioning to underground networks, providing affordable electricity access, and adopting advanced metering systems are crucial. Overall, this study highlights the systemic nature of electricity theft and provides actionable insights for improving electricity service delivery and equity in urban settings.

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Keywords

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