The Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO) has announced a proposal to impose a 100% penalty on the current market price for electricity theft.
Under this plan, anyone found stealing electricity will be charged double the market rate for the energy consumed, retroactively billed from the date the theft began. Offenders will also be responsible for covering the administrative costs associated with the detection of the theft, including labour and spare parts.
HEDNO’s initiative comes in response to a rising trend in electricity theft, revealing that the penalty price set in 2017 has become outdated due to increased energy costs. The organisation stated that current penalties are significantly lower than the charges imposed on consumers who pay for their electricity responsibly, undermining the effectiveness of existing deterrents against electricity theft.
The proposed penalties will see charges double (100% increase) in most cases. However, for consumers on a social tariff, the surcharge will be limited to 50%. HEDNO’s proposal has been submitted to the Energy and Water Waste Regulatory Authority for consideration as part of efforts to combat this growing issue.
Read more: Electricity prices
(Source: Amna)