Report Energy Theft
Did
you know that according to industry standards, an estimated
$248, 220 is lost each year to energy theft?
Didn't realize that stealing energy was such a problem?
Wouldn't you rather have had that $248, 220 in the pockets
of those of us who work hard to pay our bills? Since Laurens
Electric Cooperative is member owned, that means that
energy theft is costing you money
as well. Covering energy theft drives up prices for everyone
involved, except, of course, the thief.
LEC's rates have not increased in over ten years, which
is amazing considering that even a can of soda costs up
to seventy-five cents these days. However, in order to
remain this way, we must work together to put a stop to
energy theft. Not only is it detrimental to keeping LEC's
rates down, but it is illegal under
South Carolina Code 16-13-385 to tamper with your electric
meter. Those who do so are not only exposing themselves
to criminal charges, but to a very life threatening situation
- electrical shock.
Do not cut the seal on your meter
base for any reason. If you need the seal cut for
access to the meter base, call us ahead of time to schedule
someone to come out and help you. Even a licensed electrician
must have a Lauren Electric Co-op Technician cut the seal
on the electrical meter. The charge for unauthorized seal
cutting is $50.00.
We have trained our Field Service Technicians to recognize
the signs of meter tampering. Laurens Electric Cooperative
has, and will continue to prosecute anyone who has tampered
with their electric meter or tries to illegally reconnect
their electric service. The charge for meter tampering
is $150.00.
If you know or think you know of anyone stealing electricity,
let us know by:
Submitting your report to Laurens Electric Cooperative
online, or Calling us at 1-800-942-3141
Energy Theft Report Form |
