Hotline of power engineering specialists:
IDGC of Centre - Kostromaenergo division summed up the work on the detection and prevention of facts of non-metered consumption of electricity in the first quarter of 2016. During this period specialists of the branch identified 177 such facts. The amount of non-metered consumption was 1.48 million kWh. The total amount claimed for payment by Kostromaenergo under the acts of non-contractual consumption amounted to 1.72 million rubles (equivalent in volume of 421.298 thousand kWh). This is 1% higher than the same period last year. In addition, acts of non-metered consumption in the amount of 1.054 million kWh were drawn up. With such acts unscrupulous consumers pay for non-metered electricity to a retail company under a contract for the supply of electrical energy.
The main tool to combat theft are raids, during which employees of Distribution Zones check the work of meters and inspect overhead power lines for illegal connections. If the theft is set, an act is drawn up for non-contractual or non-metered consumption, which is presented for payment. Payment is made on them by the consumer who committed the theft of electricity, directly to the address of the branch. These facts are an administrative offense. In case of refusal offenders will have a trial.
Theft of electricity is fraught with other serious problems too. Firstly, a grid connection to bypass the grid company, made in an "artisanal" way, can result in improper operation of grid equipment and electric shock. Secondly, additional non-metered load on the network results in voltage drop and damage to appliances and reduces the quality of power supply.
Conscientious consumers can help the power company avoid these problems by reporting on possible facts of theft to the grid company via the around the clock straight phone line at 8800 50 50 115.