Meralco: 865 electricity meters stolen from Jan to May 2024

FILE PHOTO: Wiremen conduct maintenance works in this file photo taken on July 11, 2023. The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) reported that 865 electricity meters were stolen from January to May 2024, and warned anew that the buy-and-sell of pilfered electric meters is punishable under the law as these are deemed property of the firm. INQUIRER / RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) reported that 865 electricity meters were stolen from January to May this year.

The energy firm lamented that stolen utility meters and electrical wires are being sold online, but warned anew that the buy-and-sell of pilfered electric meters is punishable under the law as these are deemed property of Meralco.

“Stealing electric meters and buying stolen meters are crimes punishable under the law. Anyone caught in possession of these stolen equipment will be prosecuted and penalized accordingly,” Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga said in a statement Thursday.

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“We remind the public that these electric meters are the property of Meralco, and we do not charge our customers for its use,” he added.

A total of 1,596 and 969 electric meters of the company were stolen in 2023 and 2022, respectively, the power firm noted.

Under Republic Act No. 7382, penalties for electric meter theft include at least 12 years imprisonment, a P50,000 to P100,000 fine, or both.

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Zaldarriaga also repeated their appeal to the public not to fly kites near its power lines as these may cause power interruptions and accidents.

In case a kite gets trapped in electricity lines, the power firm urged the public to immediately contact Meralco to resolve the issue and not put matters into their hands

Meralco said 115 brownouts due to incidents related to kite-flying were recorded from January to May this year.