THE Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) is intensifying its campaign against individuals tampering with an electric meter after apprehending 10 pilferers a month.
Rodger Velasco, Davao Light President and chief operating officer (COO), said in a press conference on Wednesday, August 10 that electric pilferage or the action of stealing electrical connection is a criminal act under Republic Act (RA) No. 7832 or the “The Anti-Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994".
"The pilferage is a violation of R.A. 7832. Any pilferage act that our customer or other person will do is a criminal act," Velasco said during the Habi at Kape weekly press conference.
Most cases, he said, are reported in residential areas. As to the specific locations, he did not elaborate.
But he said that the reported power pilferages in its franchise coverage are not that alarming.
"It's a small amount or gidaghananon niya kay dili kaayo daghan (or not as many) relative to other areas," the official said.
Velasco said Davao Light is intensifying its pilferage apprehension campaign against those who tamper, mutilate, and steal power from their electric utility.
He also disclosed that some of their partner electricians are giving them tips for households with illegal connections.
To address pilferage, Velasco said Davao Light will be utilizing "smart meters", which will easily detect tampered connections. As to the details, he did not provide further information.
Aside from that, they also continue to remind its customers that pilferage is an illegal act with corresponding sanctions, including disconnection.
Velasco said illegal connection would mean system loss on the part of the power provider and would be unfair to other consumers who religiously pay electric bills. RGL