In today’s economy, people are looking for ways to make ends meet, but tampering with the electric meter is not worth the deadly and costly risks. Aside from putting themselves and their family in a dangerous situation, the extra costs caused by meter cheaters can be a factor in increasing electric rates in the future.
Utilities in Southwest Florida have processes in place to address meter tampers and technology makes it easier than ever to catch incidents.
It may seem that stealing electricity is a victimless crime, but in fact, potentially all customers could share in the cost. LCEC is vigilant in detecting and seeking restitution for thefts at the meter. All cases of meter tampering are investigated and efforts are made to recover as much lost revenue as possible. In some cases criminal charges are filed when appropriate. Florida law allows a utility to collect an amount equal to three times the amount of energy unlawfully obtained or $1,000, whichever is greater, from someone convicted in a civil action. Although many variables can affect the amount of restitution collected for meter tampering, it always comes with a host of fees and consequences such as disconnection of electricity.
Efforts to reduce costs resulting from this illegal activity are key, but more importantly, safety is at stake. Bypassing the meter and other methods used to steal electricity put those committing the theft, their families, utility employees and innocent bystanders in grave danger. Meters are connected to the electric lines that bring power into homes and even utility technicians who are trained to handle meters and other electrical equipment are required to wear special safety gear and follow specific safety procedures. When someone untrained in working with a meter tampers, it can be life-threatening. Unauthorized alterations of the electric meter often lead to shock, fire, explosion or electrocution.
LCEC utilizes automated meters to help detect fraud, and field employees watch for suspicious circumstances. Customers can also report cases of potential meter theft at www.lcec.net.