Hotline of power engineering specialists:
Power engineers of IDGC of Centre — Orelenergo division in the 1st quarter of 2013 note the decline in the cases of electricity theft compared to the same periods last year. In particular, as a result of raids 107 unauthorized connections were found. According to the results of the raids the unmetered electricity volume was 594.3 thousand kW/h, which is 46.3% less than in the 1st quarter of last year.
At the same time, during this period, the power engineers identified two major electricity cases of theft for more than 400 thousand rubles. One of the facts was found during a raid in a cafe located in Trosnyansky district of Orel. The cost of the stolen electricity exceeded 100 thousand rubles. According to preliminary data, the theft was carried out using a powerful magnet, slowing down the metering device. The materials on this fact were transferred to the police, the initiation of a criminal case in under way.
The second fact of theft occurred in the village of Lezhenki of Orel district. The total debt of the villagers exceeded 300 thousand rubles. It should be noted that the payment discipline by the given consumers is systematically violated. Switching off of non-payers from the power supply has to be done in conjunction with law enforcement agencies, as power engineers constantly face the opposition.
It should be noted that in accordance with the norms of the legislation the evasion of charges for the use of electricity shall be punishable by a fine of up to three hundred thousand, forced labour or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years. Last year, for the unauthorized consumption of electricity administrative proceedings were brought against 45 residents of the Orel region.