In 2016, power accounting teams of Penzaenergo, a branch of IDGC of Volga, PJSC (subsidiary of Rosseti, PJSC), detected 2,308 cases of unaccounted power consumption in the amount of 7.946 M kWh. Penzaenergo issued 676 (for 3.143 M kWh) and 1,632 (for 4.802 M kWh) reports against legal entities and individuals, respectively. Unfair consumers caused substantial damage to the grid company in the amount of 11.679 M rubles (this amount includes the cost of power transmission services only). By the moment, this damage has been compensated in full.

Most electrical theft crimes occur through bypassing meters, meter tampering to reduce the readings and tapping or hooking up power lines, etc.

Penzaenergo warns that power theft carries deadly risks, and many thieves pay for the power they steal with their lives. Illegal connection can easily cause short circuits and fires, or voltage drops, or malfunction of household appliances, and finally, overloading and failure of the electric grid.

Penzaenergo reminds that unauthorized electricity consumption is a punishable offense, and an offender can be prosecuted under applicable criminal law. If you have witnessed or know about an illegal connection or power theft, please contact your local distribution zone (RES) of Penzaenergo or call our hotline at: 8-800-700-18-12.