The San Fernando Electric Light and Power Company (SFELAPCO) said it has launched a more aggressive campaign against electricity theft, warning of strict enforcement and harsher penalties for violators.
Cathy Diaz, the firm's spokesperson and legal counsel, emphasized that SFELAPCO will pursue legal action against anyone caught tampering electric meters.
“We are taking a firm stance. Tampering with meters is a criminal act, and we will prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law,” Diaz said.
SFELAPCO said it has discovered several cases where consumers inserted resistors into their meters to slow down the electricity reading.
In many instances, tamperers had broken or removed both SFELAPCO and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) seals to carry out the scheme, the company added.
Power theft is a violation of Republic Act No. 7832, also known as the Anti-Electricity and Electric Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994.
The law prescribes penalties of six to twelve years in prison, with cases in SFELAPCO’s service area potentially facing up to 20 years behind bars.
Fines ranging from ?20,000 to ?100,000 may also be imposed.
Diaz also warned of other serious risks involved in the illegal activity.
"Illegal connections and meter tampering not only result in blackouts but also pose severe safety hazards, including the risk of fire and serious injury,” she said.
SFELAPCO urged the public to report incidents of electricity theft.
The company assured that all reports will be handled with strict confidentiality.
Electricity pilferage contributes significantly to system loss—the discrepancy between electricity distributed and what is actually billed.
Depending on the utility and region, these losses can range from 6% to as much as 13% of total electricity consumption.
Republic Act 7832 prohibits unauthorized tapping into or tampering with electrical lines, meters, and equipment.
Violators face imprisonment and financial penalties, and power companies are mandated to inform customers annually about these provisions, including how meter tampering is detected and computed.
SFELAPCO clarified that it will not settle theft cases out of court.
The utility firm pledged to pursue full legal action and apply zero tolerance, especially for repeat offenders. (PR)