Hotline of power engineering specialists:
Power engineers of IDGC of Centre – Belgorodenergo division use raids as the most effective way to combat theft of electricity almost daily. As a result of the last two inspections in Belgorodsky and Korochansky districts, non-metered consumption of 26,000 kWh was confirmed by representatives of small businesses and owners of households. The total amount of non-metered electric power consumption for the first half of the year was 9.6 million kWh. Residential customers are leaders by the number of violations, in terms of volume – legal entities.
Owners and employees of grocery stores in the villages of Nikolskoye in Belgorodsky district and Alekseevka in Korochansky district abused interference in the operation of meters, deliberately distorting data on the amount of electricity consumed. At visual inspection it was found out, that earlier installed antimagnetic seals were broken. Consequently, a magnet was applied to the counting mechanism. In both cases, the power engineers compiled acts on non-metered consumption, and the amount of damage was calculated at the maximum contractual capacity multiplied by the hours of operation. The volume of non-metered consumption with the individuals was calculated using a 10-fold standard. In any case, the amount for payment will increase by tens, if not hundreds of times. The Belgorod businessman will pay 120 thousand rubles, Korochansky - 12 thousand rubles.
Several facts of violations of electricity consumption were identified by the power engineers in the settlement of Komsomolsky. Disturbed seals of the state verification and the electric grid company, burnt, tape-twisted contacts are clear evidence of outside interference and a reason for thorough testing. With regard to local residents, suspicions were confirmed - practically all meters are not accurate, therefore, are not suitable for operation. Moreover, in one of the houses in the suspicious meter an additional device was found that reduced the readings. The owner was as if surprised and quickly agreed to replace the meter. There was no other way out for him - the consumer himself is responsible for the correct operation of the meter and timely verification.
In the settlement of Dubovoye in the course of the raid, a fact of non-contractual electricity consumption was discovered. The electricians suspended the electricity supply, drafted an act on the introduction of the power supply limitation mode, and prepared a notification. Now the owner is expected to visit the office of Belgorodsky Distribution Zone for the conclusion of the grid connection contract. If the bill is not paid in ten days, the company will apply to the court with a claim for compulsory collection of debts.
"The violator stealing electricity is not so much damaging the power system as, ultimately, punishing himself," explained Igor Zadvornov, the head of the electricity metering and loss optimization department at Belgorodsky Distribution Zone. "Moreover, modified meters threaten the life and health of people, as they may cause short circuits and fires, as well as electric shock. Unauthorized connection to the grid of powerful electrical installations and violation of metering systems entails an excessive increase in the load and a decrease in the quality of electricity. As a consequence, expensive household appliances often fail. This is the reverse side of theft."
In the first half of 2017, the specialists of the branch carried out more than sixty thousand scheduled inspections of metering systems for individuals and legal entities. More than 470 facts of non-contractual and non-metered consumption of electric energy with a total volume of 9.6 million kWh were revealed.
The power engineers remind that punishment for theft of electric power is inevitable. And in case of detection of theft, the violator not only compensates the damage to the power grid company, but is also brought to criminal or administrative responsibility with payment of a fine. Since 1 January 2016 in Russia, administrative liability for violation of the rules for using electricity, devices, and operation of power-consuming plants has been tightened up. In particular, the amount of fines for unauthorized connection to grids has been increased. IDGC of Centre intends to consistently seek compensation for damage caused by unscrupulous consumers.
