Energy firm loses 250,000-ruble power theft case

The Uzlovaya District Court sided with a local entrepreneur in a dispute with an energy supply company. JSC TN S Energo Tula sought to recover more than 250,000 rubles ($2,500 at current rates) from the man, alleging unauthorized electricity consumption.

The parties signed an electricity supply contract for a retail pavilion in the village of Smorodino (Uzlovsky District, Tula Oblast) back in 2018. In May 2025, representatives of the grid company inspected the meter and drew up an act citing violations. According to the energy company«s calculations, the »debt« amounted to 253,955 rubles 94 kopecks ($2,540 at current rates). Including court fees, they sought 262,574 rubles 94 kopecks ($2,630).

The entrepreneur disagreed with the claims. In court, he insisted he had committed no violations and that the inspection report itself was flawed: he was not present during the inspection, and no photo or video documentation was taken.

After examining the case materials, the court concluded that the evidence presented was insufficient to confirm unauthorized electricity consumption. The company«s lawsuit was dismissed.