By STEVE ODEN
Buckeye REC Staff
“Theft of electricity is like shoplifting…. It costs everyone,” says Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative Consumer Services Manager Russ Elliott.
Elliott is part of a team of BREC employees who investigate possible theft of service cases. He works with local law enforcement agencies when the cooperative is forced to take action against those who steal electricity.
Recently, BREC has successfully prosecuted theft of service cases under the Ohio Revised Code. Individuals have been arrested, arraigned, and tried.
“It is our policy to actively pursue action against those who tamper with electric meters or otherwise attempt to steal service. Not only is this dangerous from the standpoint of possible electrocution, theft of service robs all BREC members who pay their bills,” says Elliott.
Under Ohio law, theft of service is a felony offense and carries with it a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment and a $2,500 fine.
Technological improvements allow BREC personnel to monitor for electric theft on a daily basis.
“We have the capability of detecting current flow and use from a series of meter reports transmitted automatically from the field,” explains BREC Information Technology Manager Chuck Clark. “These reports in a new software system called Turtle Command Center allow us to focus on possible tampering cases on a daily basis. We can get someone into the field almost immediately to investigate.”
If suspicions of power theft are confirmed, BREC contacts police and sheriff’s departments for assistance.
“We document the evidence and seek warrants,” Elliott adds.
“This is something we take seriously because our co-op members expect no less,” he says.
“People who are stealing power place a greater burden on the rest of us.”
BREC often gets help from co-op members in solving power theft cases. According to Elliott, residents call in tips about the suspicious use of electricity.
“It is very helpful to have concerned co-op members guarding against theft of service. They realize someone has to pay for the stolen power if we can’t prevent the practice or catch those who are doing it.”
Elliott also praises local law enforcement agencies.
“Officers have been very cooperative in every county. They realize that we are dealing not only with loss of revenue but with public safety. People who tamper with high-voltage electric equipment endanger themselves and others.”
Inactive meters that suddenly show current flow might also indicate illicit activity other than theft of service.
“Mobile methamphetamine lab operators often look for idle or inactive services in remote areas. They set up their equipment and cook off a batch of the illegal drug, then take off again,” Elliott says.
“This is possibility that BREC can’t ignore. We are going to notify the law enforcement agency in the proper jurisdiction whenever a theft of service case occurs.”
BREC members can help by being alert to the following signs of possible power theft:
• Lights on in buildings or residences where no one lives or where service was disconnected.
• Extension cords strung together and terminating at a meter pole.
• Ladders leaned against meter poles or transformer poles.
• Anyone except a BREC lineman manipulating or tampering with meters, fuses, or transformers.
• Meters with broken seals.
“We don’t advise members to confront anyone suspected of stealing electricity. Call us at the Rio Grande or Linville offices, and we will take it from there,” advises Elliott.
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