@Article{ee.2025.063144,
AUTHOR = {David Milambo Kasumba, Guy Nkulu Wa Ngoie, Hyacinthe Tungadio Diambomba, Matthieu Kayembe Wa Kayembe, Flory Kiseya Tshikala, Bonaventure Banza Wa Banza},
TITLE = {Electricity Theft and Its Impact on Quality of Service in Lubumbashi, DR Congo},
JOURNAL = {Energy Engineering},
VOLUME = {122},
YEAR = {2025},
NUMBER = {6},
PAGES = {2401--2416},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/energy/v122n6/61359},
ISSN = {1546-0118},
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.},
DOI = {10.32604/ee.2025.063144}
}