Rosseti recovers 170 mln rubles for electricity theft
In six months, Rosseti Lenenergo stopped 903 cases of electricity theft in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region.
In the first half of 2026, 903 cases of electricity theft were suppressed in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region. Rosseti Lenenergo urges residents to report illegal connections and explains the signs of such violations.
Since the beginning of the year, the company«s specialists have recorded 903 cases of non-contractual and unmetered consumption. More than 170 million rubles (approx. $1.9 million at current rates) have been recovered from violators, the press service of Rosseti Lenenergo reported on July 21. To compensate for the damage, the power engineers are conducting claim and litigation work.
Detected:
- 501 cases of unauthorized connection without energy supply contracts — 106 million rubles ($1.18 million) recovered for 14.4 million kWh;
- 402 cases of unmetered consumption with interference in meter operation — 64.4 million rubles ($716,000) recovered for 12.5 million kWh.
«Unmetered electricity consumption is extremely unprofitable: its cost is significantly higher than the costs for legal consumption,» Rosseti emphasizes.
Unauthorized connection and use of electricity are administrative offenses and punishable by fines:
- For the first violation: individuals — from 10,000 to 15,000 rubles ($111–$167), legal entities — from 100,000 to 200,000 rubles ($1,111–$2,222);
- For a repeat violation: individuals — from 15,000 to 30,000 rubles ($167–$333), legal entities — from 300,000 to 400,000 rubles ($3,333–$4,444).
How to recognize illegal electricity consumption
Possible illegal connections are indicated by:
- Extra wires from the power line;
- Low voltage in the network;
- Wiring bypassing metering devices.
Rosseti Lenenergo urges you to report possible violations by calling the contact center at 8 (800) 220-02-20 or through the feedback form on the company«s website.
