Anti-pilferage operations intensified in Ceneco coverage area

Operations against pilferage are being intensified in areas covered by the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO).

Backed by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), Ceneco operatives conduct surprise inspections in various commercial and residential areas.

In an advisory, CENECO indicated that the operations are targeting any individual or company that are illegally tapping into its power lines.

Illegal connections affect the cooperative and add up to the monthly bill of consumers under systems loss.
Ceneco is urging the public to immediately report anyone stealing electricity, adding that it has already apprehended establishments and homeowners illegally tapping into its power lines.

Ceneco, in the same advisory, revealed that it has already met barangay leaders whom they asked for support on the matter.

Republic Act 7832 or the “Anti-Electricity and Electric Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994” provides that it is unlawful for any person to either tap, tamper, damage, destroy, or steal from power lines and transmissions.

Any individual caught in such illegal activity can be fined from P20,000 to P100,000 depending on the section of the law that was violated, or prison time of six to 12 years, it added.*