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It’s commonly referred to as a “invisible crime.” Someone connects to a power supply illegally, reconnects a disconnected line, or tampers with a meter to avoid recording electricity usage. Because legitimate electricity users do not engage in these activities, the impact of electricity theft is minimal.
Theft of power involves a high risk of death. Many thieves pay with their lives for the power they steal. Theft of electricity is dangerous for everyone, not just the perpetrators. If you share a power line with someone who steals electricity, you may be responsible for their theft as well. The power line could get overwhelmed with electric energy, causing damage to your devices and appliances that are designed to receive a constant amount of power. For paying consumers, electricity theft makes power service less reliable and of lesser quality.
Unintentionally, electricity thieves may pump energy back into the power grid. Linemen may believe the power line they are working on is de-energized, which is risky.
- If you become aware of a consumer who is unlawfully connected, contact your electric utility right away.
- Do not tamper with your own meter or cut the seal on the meter base.
- If you don’t already have one, apply for one.
- Keep an eye on your surroundings and contact your power utility if you notice anything odd.
Meter tampering, circumventing meters, and tapping power cables are the most common methods of electrical theft. Tapping into neighboring establishments, utilizing illegal lines after disconnection, self-reconnection without agreement, and electrifying fences are some of the less common offenses. Possessing false electricity bills is also a criminal offence that carries a stiff penalty.
Power theft affects everyone, and finding and reporting illegal activities will help us all pay a lower price.
How do you connect power without permission?
It is illegal to steal electricity. It poses a serious fire and safety risk. The thieves, their family, neighbors, and utility staff may be injured or killed as a result of the theft. Property damage can also be a result of energy theft. Theft of electricity raises PG&E’s operating costs and raises the cost of energy for our consumers.
Do your part to stop energy theft
To combat energy theft, we need your support. Please report any energy theft you suspect or know about.
- Fill out a secure online form. To report energy theft, go to Report Energy Theft.
- Call 1-800-854-6250 for more information.
Is it possible to go to jail in the United Kingdom for stealing electricity?
A punishment of up to 2,000 dollars could be imposed if you are found guilty of energy theft. Those caught stealing electricity, especially repeat offenders, might face a five-year prison sentence. More information can be found here.
Is it illegal to steal electricity in the United Kingdom?
Electricity theft is when you cheat your meter to avoid paying your bills. This is a serious offense with serious ramifications, including prison sentences and fines. Everyone is affected by electricity theft, from higher energy bills to fires caused by exposed wires and connections.
Is it possible for smart meters to detect electricity theft?
Energy theft detection algorithms that rely on statistical data-driven methods to identify typical customer behavior are built on the foundation of smart meter energy usage profiling. These approaches can be used to detect irregular energy usage, i.e., to pinpoint the exact location of energy theft.
How can you know if your electricity has been tapped?
Changes to your electrical system. Examine the wire that connects your meter to your home (but don’t touch it!). If you see anything unusual, such as extra wires or connector clips, it’s possible that it’s been tampered with. Also, keep an eye out for any cables that run from your house to your neighbor’s.
What happens if you attempt to usurp power?
Learn about the Power Stealing Crime in Los Angeles that is linked to a Marijuana Grow.
I’ve represented a number of people accused of stealing power, and this raises a lot of questions when it comes to a criminal prosecution in Los Angeles County.
To begin with, it’s a crime, and if the amount is over $950.00, it can be charged as a felony theft offense.
Nobody wants a felony on their record, and if a considerable amount of electricity is taken, the culprit may face serious consequences.
The question is, first and foremost, how are they taking the electricity, and how can it be protected?
Second, from whom are they stealing power?
Is it from an electronic company, such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, or from one of their neighbors?
What happens if your electric meter is tampered with?
Energy theft is on the rise by the thousands every year, with extra effort put into rigging meters and diverting energy from the grid. This isn’t just a matter of saving a few pennies; it’s a potentially life-threatening risk for the building’s tenants because of the heightened chance of electrical fires, gas leaks, and probable explosions.
In its most basic form, meter manipulation occurs when the meter stops recording real consumption. Bypassing the meter, this method allows energy to be spent without being properly logged. It’s incredible what people would do to save a few pounds, which is very troubling, especially when you consider the potentially catastrophic repercussions.
However, when energy prices rise, the number of alleged cases of energy theft rises as well. Each year, about 150,000 energy theft cases are investigated, and approximately 1,500 persons are charged with energy theft.
The safety implications of energy theft are numerous; included below are a few of the safety implications, as well as financial and criminal consequences of energy theft.
Safety Implications
- A manipulated electricity meter’s exposed wiring can cause serious electric shocks and burns. Any electrical switches or equipment that are bypassed become ‘live,’ increasing the risk of shock and fire in other areas of the facility.
- Meter manipulation is more likely to result in electrical fires. Exposed wires and improper connections can grow extremely hot, sparking and causing fires. Electrical meter tampering can jeopardize the building’s overall safety, putting the lives of all occupants in danger.
- Gas meter tampering increases the risk of possibly lethal gas leaks, which can result in headaches and loss of consciousness.
- Because gas is very combustible, even a small amount of gas mixed with the air can cause an explosion. Even the simplest of actions, such as turning on a light switch, can ignite gas and result in a catastrophic explosion.
Financial and criminal implications
- If you’re charged with energy theft, you could face a hefty fine, a criminal record, and perhaps up to 5 years in prison.
- If your energy provider suspects you of stealing electricity, they may disconnect your service until a full inquiry is completed.
- If your meter has been tampered with and your property has been destroyed in the event of a fire or other disaster, your insurance company may refuse to pay out.
- It is projected that for every occurrence of energy theft, the rest of the population will see a $20 increase in their bill.
Electricity theft
- Meter casing that is smashed, fractured, or missing, and appears to have been purposefully tampered with to obtain access to the cables inside.
- Exposed wires and cables that may protrude from the meter’s casing or be connected via connector clips.
- melted plastic components or burn marks on the meter enclosure
- Even when the meter says it’s out of credit, there’s electricity accessible (prepay)
- Near the meter box, there is a burning odor, smoke, or sparks.
- Even if electricity is being used, the dials or numerals on the meter may not be changing.
Gas theft
- Due to the meter being twisted around for the gas pipes to be placed into multiple inlets, none of the dials are visible.
- A gas odor near or in the meter
- To bypass the system, the original tubing can be replaced with rubber tubing.
- Even though the meter says it’s out of credit, there’s gas accessible (prepay)
- Even when the gas is turned on, the meter dials may not turn.
How to report energy theft
You must report energy theft if you suspect it on your home or in a neighboring property. Call our customer support team at 0330 0414 902 to do so anonymously.
What is the penalty for making an unauthorized electrical connection?
A punishment of R2 828.29 (excl VAT) is imposed for unlawfully connecting energy to the municipal grid, while a meter tampering fine of R 2 882.74 is imposed (excl VAT).