SFELAPCO warns vs power pilferage anew

The San Fernando Electric Light and Power Company (SFELAPCO) has once again issued a warning against power pilferage.

The power firm stressed that violators will face full legal consequences.

Lawyer Catherine Rose Diaz, SFELAPCO spokesperson and legal counsel, said the company is serious in its campaign against electricity theft and other related offenses.

“SFELAPCO means business. We will not hesitate to pursue legal action against individuals or entities caught stealing power or tampering with electric distribution infrastructure,” Diaz said.

"Guilty violators face the penalty of imprisonment of up to 12 or 20 years," she added.

Operating in the City of San Fernando and the municipality of Floridablanca, SFELAPCO said it deploys surveillance teams to detect and identify perpetrators of power theft.

Diaz explained that the impact of pilferage extends beyond the company itself.

The firm said unauthorized connections and tampered hardware "increase the likelihood of power outages and may lead to hazardous incidents involving live wires or unstable poles."

SFELAPCO reiterated that it does not entertain out-of-court settlements for power theft cases.

All confirmed offenders will be subject to full legal prosecution, the power company said.

“Pilferage is a serious crime. SFELAPCO will not take it lightly,” Diaz stressed.

She also urged the public to take an active role in safeguarding the power system by reporting suspected cases of pilferage to SFELAPCO.

“All reports will be treated with confidentiality to protect those concerned individuals who will help us stop power thieves,” Diaz said.