Theft involving electricity and related materials is a problem all electric utilities face, and it’s a problem for electricity customers, too. Since Rio Grande Electric Cooperative (RGEC) 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 RGEC. 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.
You can also play a role in this process by immediately notifying us if you suspect someone is gaining access to our power supply without paying their fair share of the costs or by tampering with equipment.
If you have information related to electricity or materials theft, please call us at 800-749-1509. Rest assured, we’ll keep your name anonymous.
Because you share in the ownership of Rio Grande Electric Co-op, when people steal from the cooperative, they’re stealing from you too.