Power utility giant Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has reported rising incidents of theft on power meters and electrical wires, hence, it was prompted on intensifying its efforts to deter these unscrupulous acts of some lawless elements.

The utility firm indicated that it has been working with law enforcement agencies, primarily with the Philippine National Police (PNP), “to combat and prevent these theft incidents.”

As culled from Meralco data, the number of stolen meters had risen to 1,131 within this year’s six months, 63% higher from 695 meters within a comparative period last year.

If reckoned from 2019 to 2023, the figures on stolen meters were even more staggering as this already rounded up to 4,591, according to Meralco.

The power company conveyed that the stolen meters and electrical wires were flagged being sold at online and other e-commerce platforms.

Meralco sternly warned that these illegal activities pose safety risks – not just on the facet of highly probable power service disruption or equipment failure, but even on the more dangerous incidents of electrically-induced fire as well as electrocution.

Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga apprised the public that “these meters are the property of Meralco and we do not charge our customers for its use.”

He thus noted that “stealing, reselling, and buying these meters are illegal activities punishable under the law and anyone caught in possession of these stolen equipment will be prosecuted and penalized accordingly.”

As prescribed under the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act or Republic Act 7832, these unlawful acts are punishable with at least 12 years imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from P50,000 to P100,000.

By the same token, Meralco stated that the buyers or users of stolen meters “are also subject to legal penalties under Presidential Decree No. 1612 or the Anti- Fencing Law of 1972.”

Meralco emphasized that it has unique identifiers for meters that it has been deploying to subscribers, hence, it has a strategic way to trace and identify these items and equipment as its company property.

In stepping up its campaign against theft of meters and electrical wires, Zaldarriga
has pleaded to the public “to report any suspicious activities or stolen meters to Meralco or the authorities to help us curb this illegal practice and ensure the safety and integrity of electric service.”