Safety

Energy Theft

Theft is often thought of as shoplifting, car jacking or identity theft. While most of us may not consider energy theft to be as common as these, it is the third largest form of theft in the United States and potentially the most hazardous.

It is illegal to tamper with electric meters or power lines, or to knowingly consume electricity that is not properly metered due to tampering. Energy theft occurs in our area. It is a punishable crime that can negatively affect you financially and presents a safety hazard.

Here is what you should know to protect yourself and your community from energy theft.

Safety
When individuals or businesses participate in energy theft, they create very real safety concerns for all of us. Energy theft can result in electric shock, fire, explosions, personal injury or death. A thief creates danger not only for themselves but also for their family, friends and neighbors.

Cost
While many of us work to manage energy bills by conserving energy or applying for financial assistance, energy thieves drive up the cost for everyone by destroying property and artificially driving up rates by helping themselves to free energy. When they consume energy unlawfully, they are stealing from honest, paying customers.

Action
Pepco is committed to safety and fair billing of our customers. With help from our employees in the field and tips from you, thieves are being identified and investigated.

Signs of energy theft include:

Someone who is not a Pepco employee working on the meter or lines
Evidence of tampering with the meter including drilled holes or external hardware
Lines that are wrapped around trees for support or otherwise attached in a manner that seems unsafe or unprofessional

Energy theft is a crime we all pay for. Please stay alert and call Pepco at
202-496-5835 if you see an unsafe situation or if you become aware that someone is stealing electricity.