Stealing and reselling electric meters are illegal activities that constitute violation of Republic Act No. 7832 or the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994. These are punishable with at least 12 years imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from Php50,000 to Php100,000 under the law.
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MANILA, 04 July 2024 — The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has ramped up its campaign against electric meter theft following the increasing number of incidents of stolen meters and electrical wires being sold in various online platforms.
Meralco is actively working with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other government agencies to combat and prevent these theft incidents given the threat the illegal activity poses to the integrity and safety of the electricity service the distribution utility delivers to its customers.
The power company issued warning against those involved.
“We are reminding the public that these meters are the property of Meralco, and we do not charge our customers for its use. Stealing, reselling, and buying these meters are illegal activities punishable under the law and anyone caught in possession of these stolen equipment will be prosecuted and penalized accordingly,” Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga warned.
From January to June 2024, a total of 1,131 meters have been reported stolen equivalent to a 63% increase from the 695 reported stolen during the same period last year. In the last five years or from 2019 to 2023, Meralco has recorded a total of 4,591 stolen electric meters.
Considering the rising number of theft incidents, Meralco also warned the public that it employs unique identifiers on all its meters so that these can be traced and identified as property of the company.
“We urge the public to report any suspicious activities or stolen meters to Meralco or the authorities to help us curb this illegal practice and ensure the safety and integrity of electric service,” Zaldarriaga said.
Stealing and reselling electric meters are illegal activities that constitute violation of Republic Act No. 7832 or the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994. These are punishable with at least 12 years imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from Php50,000 to Php100,000 under the law. Buyers or users of stolen meters, meanwhile, are also subject to legal penalties under Presidential Decree No. 1612, or the Anti-Fencing Law of 1972. (/)