Theft involving electricity and related materials is a problem all electric utilities face, and it’s a problem for electricity customers too. Since Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative is member-owned, electricity theft ends up costing you—the member—money.
Theft of electricity also puts personal safety at risk. Tampering with an electric meter can make it unsafe and unstable. When people steal electricity, they put themselves, their neighbors, family and pets—and the co-op’s lineworkers—all at risk for electric shock.
Stealing electrical equipment and materials can also pose a significant risk to the culprit, resulting in injury or even death from electric shock.
Although electricity can be easily acquired through a utility, some people are still willing to risk physical damage or loss of life just for the sake of some free kilowatt hours. Others may not realize the serious legal and potential health implications.
Keeping power safe and affordable is a priority for TVEC. That’s why we routinely inspect co-op meters and equipment to ensure we’re doing our best to protect you from the risks of electricity theft. We take a proactive approach to this serious problem in an attempt to eliminate theft and reduce related costs.
Meter tampering may also include installing a solar system without approval from TVEC. Upon approval, we install an appropriate meter type, without which the proper billing adjustments are not applied. Without the correct meter, members can end up paying for a portion of the solar energy they generate.
Keeping power safe and affordable is a top priority for TVEC, which is why we routinely check our meters and all solar installations. You can help by contacting us at 972-932-2214 if you suspect meter tampering or emailing us at [email protected] before installing any alternate generation source.
