THE Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said it has intensified its campaign against theft of electric meters and cables as stealing incidents increase.
Meralco said that a total of 1,131 units of electric meters have been reported stolen from January to June 2024, a 63 percent increase from the 695 units reported stolen during the same period last year.
Moreover, from 2019 to 2023, Meralco said it recorded a total of 4,591 units of stolen electric meters.
With this trend, Meralco said it is actively working with the Philippine National Police and other related government agencies to combat and prevent the crime.
“We are reminding the public that these meters are the property of Meralco, and we do not charge our customers for their use. Stealing, reselling, and buying these meters are illegal activities punishable under the law, and anyone caught in possession of this stolen equipment will be prosecuted and penalized accordingly,” Meralco Vice President and head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga said.
With the rising number of incidents of theft, Meralco also warned the public that it employs unique identifiers on all its meters so that stolen units 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.
Meralco said stealing and reselling of electric meters is punishable with at least 12 years imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 under the law.
In addition, buyers or users of stolen meters are also subject to legal penalties under Presidential Decree 1612, or the Anti-Fencing Law of 1972.
