Hotline of power engineering specialists:
IDGC of Centre - Bryanskenergo division summed up the implementation of measures to combat non-metered and non-contracted electricity consumption. So, for 8 months in 2014 the power identified 396 such cases. During raids performed for this time period the specialists checked more than 3,300 points of energy consumption, at the same time 501 violations were found. 248 of them are non-metered cases of theft of electricity and 148 of them are non-contracted consumption. The volume of illegal consumption of electricity amounted to 2.02 million kilowatt-hours. The legislation provides for tenfold fines for theft of electric energy, and in accordance with Art. 7.19 of the Administrative Code, unauthorized connection, as well as unauthorized - non-metered use of electricity shall entail the imposition of an administrative fine on citizens in the amount of three thousand to four thousand rubles; on officials - from six thousand to eight thousand rubles; for legal entities - from sixty thousand to eighty thousand rubles.
However, stealing in grids is still in place. Actions of energy thieves cause damage not only to the power grid company, but also lead to a decrease in the reliability and quality of electricity supply to conscientious consumers - power surges, short circuits, long power interruptions, etc.
In modern conditions, aimed at securing energy tariffs at a minimum level, the fight against energy theft is of particular relevance. Already this year the power engineers plan to tighten their previously used tactic. Among the planned technical measures there is use of insulated wires, providing protection from unauthorized connections; installation of remote electricity metering boxes and non-magnetic seals on facades of buildings in the private sector; use of indicators of the line current, devices for detecting concealed wiring, etc. Of organizational sanctions there is formation of crews who will be entitled to disconnect customers when violations are discovered, as well as changes in work schedule of supervisors to reduce the cases of absence of customers at home.
According to Deputy General Director of IDGC of Centre - Bryanskenergo division director Roman Stefanov, in addition to violations of the law the theft of electricity carries two serious problems. Firstly, grid connection, bypassing the grid company, made in an "artisanal" way, may result in the malfunction of grid equipment and electric shock. Secondly, the additional non-metered load on the grid leads to voltage surges and damage to appliances and less reliable energy supply. Conscientious consumers can help the power company in addressing these issues, reporting facts of possible theft via the around the clock toll-free Direct Line of Power Engineers of IDGC of Centre at 8-800-50-50-115, as well as in any other appropriate way - through front offices of Distribution Zones, the Internet reception on the company’s website at www.mrsk-1.ru or the Russian Post.