Yakutians steal energy worth 70 million rubles in a year

Yakutskenergo, during raids in the western part of Yakutia, uncovered numerous cases of electricity theft through illegal connections to the grid. The total damage amounted to over 70 million rubles (approximately $1 million at current rates). This was reported by the company«s press service on January 26.

Over the year, specialists from Yakutskenergo conducted 538 raids and recorded about 140 theft episodes. The total volume of illegally consumed electricity amounted to 8.7 million kilowatt-hours. The volume of stolen electricity would be enough for the annual power supply of 136 kindergartens or 2,175 private houses, Yakutskenergo noted.

The last major incident was uncovered in the Lensky District during an inspection of a transformer substation. The company has handed all collected materials over to the police.

For electricity theft, offenders can be held administratively liable. Since January 1, 2016, the amounts of administrative fines for unauthorized connection to electrical grids have been increased: citizens face fines from 10,000 to 15,000 rubles (approximately $100 to $150 at current rates); officials – from 30,000 to 80,000 rubles (approximately $300 to $800) or disqualification for a period of one to two years; legal entities – from 100,000 to 200,000 rubles (approximately $1,000 to $2,000).