During the first 9 months of 2016, the accounting group of balance and electricity metering of Penzaenergo, a branch of IDGC of Volga, PJSC (a member of Rosseti Group of Companies), identified 1,640 cases of off-the-meter consumption in the amount of 5,521.473 thousand kWh. 465 (2,173.561 thousand kWh) of total drawn up acts were in respect of legal entities, and 1,175 acts (3,347.912 thousand kWh) — in respect of individuals. Damages caused by illegal electricity usage are estimated at 7.902 million rubles (this amount includes just the cost of electricity transmission services). By the moment, this damage has been compensated in full.

The most common electrical theft crimes still occur through meter tampering, or bypassing meters to avoid recording electricity usage, and tapping, or hooking up a power line, etc. Penzaenergo specialists notify that such power thefts can lead to electrical shock of not just those who steal, but also surrounding persons. Also, an illegal connection can easily cause short circuits that often cause fires, or voltage drops, or malfunction of household appliances, or network overload that may cause its breakdown.

Power engineers remind that unauthorized electricity consumption is a punishable offence, and an offender can be prosecuted under applicable criminal law. If you have witnessed or have information about unauthorized connections to the electricity network or off-the-meter electricity consumption, please inform the distribution zone (RES) of Penzaenergo at place of residence or by hotline 8 800 775 16 42.