Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said it ramped up its campaign against electric meter theft following the increasing number of incidents of stolen meters and electrical wires being sold in various online platforms.
Meralco said it is actively working with the Philippine National Police and other government agencies to combat and prevent theft given the threat the illegal activity poses to the integrity and safety of the electricity service the distribution utility delivers to its customers.
“We are reminding the public that these meters are the property of Meralco and we do not charge our customers for its use. 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,” Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said.
The company said that from January to June 2024, 1,131 meters were reported stolen, equivalent to a 63-percent increase from the 695 reported in the same period last year.
Meralco also recorded a total of 4,591 stolen electric meters from 2019 to 2023.
Meralco said it employs unique identifiers on all its meters so that these can be traced and identified as property of the company.
“We urge 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,” Zaldarriaga said.
Stealing and reselling electric meters are illegal activities that constitute violation of Republic Act No. 7832 or the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994.
These are punishable with at least 12 years imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 under the law.
Buyers or users of stolen meters meanwhile are also subject to legal penalties under Presidential Decree No. 1612 or the Anti-Fencing Law of 1972.