The San Fernando Electric Light and Power Company (SFELAPCO) has again reminded everyone: stealing electricity is a serious crime. This time, they’re not just warning. They are promising to take strong legal action against anyone who breaks the law.
According to SFELAPCO spokesperson and legal counsel, Atty. Catherine Rose Diaz, the company is fully committed to fighting power theft. “SFELAPCO means business,” she said. “We will not hesitate to pursue legal action.”
Electricity theft might seem like a simple act to some. But it is not. It can cause real harm. It can lead to power outages, fires, and even deaths. When people tamper with wires or poles, they put everyone in danger—not just themselves. Unsafe connections can lead to live wires on the ground or poles falling down. That’s not just theft—it’s a safety risk to the whole community.
And the punishment is no joke. If someone is caught, they could spend up to 12 or even 20 years in jail. That’s a long time behind bars for stealing something that people often take for granted.
SFELAPCO covers the City of San Fernando and Floridablanca. In these areas, the company is using surveillance teams to find people who are stealing electricity. They’re not waiting for tips—they are actively looking.
But they are also asking the public to help. SFELAPCO wants people to report illegal connections or anything suspicious. Don’t worry—if you report something, your identity will be kept secret. The company promises full confidentiality for all whistleblowers.
What’s more, there will be no private deals. SFELAPCO has made it clear: once someone is caught stealing power, they will be taken to court. There will be no secret settlements, no money under the table. Just full legal prosecution.
Why are they being so strict? Because power theft affects everyone. When one person steals, others end up paying. Power losses can drive up costs for honest customers. More importantly, tampered systems make the electricity supply less stable for all.
It’s easy to think of power theft as a victimless crime. But it’s not. The whole community suffers. That’s why SFELAPCO is taking a firm stand. They want to protect their equipment, their service, and most of all, their customers.
In the end, the message is simple: don’t steal electricity. It’s illegal, dangerous, and selfish. If you know someone who is doing it, speak up. Help keep your neighborhood safe and your power reliable.
Let’s all do our part. Say no to power theft. Say yes to safety and fairness.