ENEE faces organized crime and massive losses in Honduras

The Empresa Nacional de Energía Eléctrica (ENEE) is facing significant operational and financial challenges in Honduras due to organized crime and energy theft. Criminal structures in certain areas, designated as ‘difficult to manage zones,’ are preventing ENEE crews from entering to perform billing, supervision, and maintenance tasks.

Reports indicate that these criminal groups may also be conducting parallel collections from residents. Fear of retaliation prevents many citizens from reporting these activities to authorities.

Financially, the state utility is struggling with energy theft, which accounts for an estimated 30% to 35% of total losses, and a debt backlog of approximately 18 billion lempiras. Efforts to recover revenue include reviewing approximately 23,000 high-consumption users and updating records for major debtors, which include public institutions and companies such as Hondutel and SANAA.