Hotline of power engineering specialists:
In 1Q 2015 IDGC of Centre - Smolenskenergo division found 203 facts of electricity theft. The amount of unmetered energy thus was 3.76 million kW/h.
The branch conducts systematic work on the detection and prevention of facts unmetered consumption of energy resources. The main tool to combat theft is raids, during which staff of Distribution Zones check operation of meters and inspect overhead lines for illegal connections. If the theft is identified, an act of non-contractual or non-metered consumption is drawn up. In January-March 2015 under the non-contractual acts of consumption 0.5 million rubles were collected, which corresponds to 0.1 million kW/h. Payment is made on them by the consumer, who committed the theft of electricity directly to the branch. In cases where payment is not made, offenders wait for trial. Additionally, acts for unmetered consumption were drawn up in the amount of 3.3 million kW/h. They are paid for by a retail company under the agreement for electric power transmission.
Main types of violations, which reveal evidence of theft by power engineers, include various ways of influencing the metering device, breaking the seal from electricity meters, replacement of the metering device without notifying the staff of the branch, concealing the fact of the metering device failure, connection of power receivers bypassing the meter and connection to the electric grid without a contract with the retail company.
In addition to violations of the law the theft of electricity carries two serious problems. Firstly, grid connection, bypassing the grid company, performed by an "artisanal" way, may result in the malfunction of grid equipment and electrical shock. Secondly, the additional unmetered load on the grid leads to voltage drops and damage to appliances and less reliable power supply.
Conscientious consumers can help the power company in addressing these issues, reporting on possible facts of theft to the grid company by calling the around the clock straight line at 8800 50 50 115.