Utilities launch assault to halt theft of power
Power diversion may be the nation's growing major crime. Heretofore, utilities have not kept any records, but they are now creating special squads to identify cases of theft, securing evidence on how it took place, and confronting customers suspected of stealing power. In Memphis, thefts are estimated at $2.5 million a year; in New York, many times higher. Statistics indicate perhaps two percent is stolen each year. When electricity was cheap, theft was a nuisance and ignored, but now since costs are spirling, action is being taken against the practice. The public has deemed it alright to steal, feeling they were stealing from ''big business'' not realizing they were stealing from their friends and neighbors--these losses are written into rates. Utilities also report a touch of conspiracy--radical groups in New York publish information on meter tampering and ways to steal power. Electrical experts are offering their services for a fee to ''fix'' meters. In some areas there is ''traditional'' tampering. Carolina Power and Light reports cheaters who by-pass meters, turn them upside down to make them run backwards, or drill holes in their covers to insert foreign objects. With meter tampering becoming more sophisticated, training for investigators is getting more sophisticated, expensive, and intense. Programs that utilities have created to deal with offenders are described and the cooperation with law enforcement officers is reviewed.
- OSTI ID:
- 7305975
- Journal Information:
- Electr. Light Power (Boston); (United States), Journal Name: Electr. Light Power (Boston); (United States) Vol. 54:10; ISSN ELLPA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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