Hotline of power engineering specialists:
IDGC of Centre – Smolenskenergo division continues to actively combat non-metered consumption. The power company notes an increase in the number of interventions in the operation of electricity meters identified in 2015 compared with the previous year. In particular, as a result of measures aimed at reducing the losses in electric grids in 2015 they found 612 cases of non-metered consumption of electricity from the power grids of the branch (25% higher than in 2014). Thus the volume of non-metered electricity amounted to 11,483.610 million KWh.
Over 2015 Smolenskenergo’s employees revealed major theft of electricity in the amount of 9.8 million rubles. Cases of non-metered consumption during raids were found in Yartsevsky district (4 facts of theft in the amount of 4.9 million rubles), and in Smolensky district (2 facts in the amount of 0.8 million rubles). Another 5 facts of theft of electricity (in the amount of 4.1 million rubles) were identified by employees of the power company in the city of Smolensk.
As a result of raids, the largest number of acts of non-metered electricity consumption was recorded among residential customers (439 acts). 162 facts of non-metered consumption were found among legal persons (including 38 facts of non-contractual consumption).
Today Smolenskenergo has the technical means to detect and prevent the electric energy theft with different ways. Modern measuring equipment used by staff of the branch allows to identify unauthorized changes to the meter design, not provided by the manufacturer. On the fact of violations acts of non-metered consumption of electricity are drawn up. Depending on the size of the material damage caused unscrupulous consumers can be punished under Article 165 of the Criminal Code "Causing damage to property by deception or abuse of trust".
All activities on the identification and suppression of the facts of non-metered electricity consumption are carried out to improve the quality and reliability of power supply to consumers of the Smolensk region, and reduce power losses in electric networks. During the raids the power engineers draw public attention not only on the material, but also on the social consequences of unauthorized use of electricity. Improper connection to the grid reduces the electric power quality, causes voltage drops in the grid, damage to electrical appliances and fire situations. Unscrupulous customers pose a threat to life and health for themselves and their neighbours.