Energy theft is one of Pennsylvania's most dangerous and costly crimes. It occurs when home and business owners tamper with meters, or use other means to steal electricity and natural gas.

It can kill innocent people, and it costs honest energy service customers millions of dollars annually.

Energy industry leaders are urgently seeking changes to strengthen current Pennsylvania law, Title 18 Chapter 39 "Theft and Related Offenses," with specific utility references, restitution, and penalties to address this growing safety issue.

"Pennsylvania's energy utilities want the legislature to address this threat to the safety of fire and police personnel," says J. Michael Love, President and CEO, Energy Association of Pennsylvania. "We need our legislators to strengthen the laws to protect innocent Pennsylvanians from the potential dangers and high costs of energy theft."

Electrocution, natural gas explosions and fires have all resulted from the dangerous conditions created by energy theft. Theft of utility service has increased as costs have risen and in addition there are energy contractors who will tamper with meters and advertise these illegal services on the internet.

"Meter tampering, bypassing, and other means used to steal energy service place those committing the theft, their families, emergency service personnel, and innocent bystanders in grave danger," explains Love. "The majority of Pennsylvanians are not aware of the dangers, but the electric current sent to an average household can injure a person, and if altered, the gas running to a house can be the source of carbon monoxide poisoning."

The FBI and International Utilities Revenue Protection Association estimate that losses due to energy theft are at 6 billion dollars in the United States.

The costs of energy theft are borne by paying customers who not only pay for every kilowatt hour of electricity and every cubic foot of gas stolen, but also cover the costs for investigation and prosecution of offenders, as well as the replacement of meters and reconnections.

For additional information, go to: EAPA Website - Energy Theft.

11/2/2007