Stealing electricity and meter tampering are crimes

Since August 1978, a revised Ohio law has covered theft of utility service and tampering with utility equipment. The statute provides that a person does not have to be seen tampering with his/her meter to be held responsible for such action. Prior to the revision in the law, it was difficult to prosecute a person for meter tampering unless the action was witnessed. In addition, in prosecution for a user’s reconnecting a device that was disconnected by a utility, such activity now is considered prima facie evidence the user intended to defraud the utility.

The law defines theft of utility service as a first-degree misdemeanor if the value of the stolen electricity, plus any utility equipment repair, is under $150. It’s a fourth-degree felony if over $150, or if the offender previously was convicted of the charge.

Tampering carries similar penalties. It is defined as “to interfere with, damage or bypass a utility meter, conduit or attachment with intent to impede the correct registration of a meter or the proper function of a conduit or attachment.” Conviction of tampering can mean from six months in jail and a $1,000 fine to five years and a $2,500 fine.

Meter tampering costs all of us. And it’s downright dangerous. If you witness someone tampering with their electric meter, contact the Darke Rural Electric Cooperative office.

Anyone caught violating the law will be prosecuted.