STEALING ELECTRICITY AND METER TAMPERING ARE CRIMES!
Stealing electricity or tampering with a meter is serious business. And it’s against the law! Theft of utility electricity is a first-degree misdemeanor if the value of the stolen electricity, plus any utility equipment repairs, is less than $150. It’s a fourth-degree felony if more than $150.
Tampering crimes carry similar penalties. Tampering is defined as “to interfere with, damage or bypass a utility meter, conduit or attachment with intent to impede the correct registration of a meter or the proper function of a conduit or attachment.” Conviction of tampering can mean from six months in jail and a $1,000 fine up to five years and a $2,500 fine.
Meter tampering costs all of us. And it’s downright dangerous. If you witness someone tampering with an electric meter, please contact Firelands Electric Cooperative here or call 1-800-533-8658.