Stop the Energy Thieves

Energy theft. Theft of service. Diversion of electricity. No matter what you call it, there's only one way to deal with energy thieves: catch them and prosecute them to the full extent of the law.

Here are some facts about energy theft:

Energy theft is against the law. It is illegal to tamper with or to reconnect electric meters that have been disconnected by Orange & Rockland, Rockland Electric, or Pike County Light & Power Co. It is criminal to knowingly consume electricity which has not been correctly metered because of tampering. Those who are caught stealing energy are subject to immediate disconnection of service, civil collection proceedings and the possibility of criminal prosecution that can result in a fine, imprisonment or both.

Energy theft is a public safety issue. Attempting to bypass or tamper with gas or electric meters is dangerous. It can result in serious injury or death from fire, explosion or electrocution, not only to the thief, but also to innocent family members, neighbors, and our employees.

Energy theft drives up costs. When energy thieves consume gas or electricity unlawfully, they're stealing from honest, paying customers. Just as shoplifters drive up the price of merchandise you purchase, those who tamper with meters to get "free" energy drive up your energy costs.

We take energy theft seriously. Our metering experts and revenue protection personnel are ramping up efforts to review our distribution system to identify possible energy thieves. Anyone suspected of energy theft will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We will also seek full restitution of the suspected theft in whatever manner available.