Key Takeaways
- Stealing electricity is illegal and can lead to fines, jail time, or injuries.
- Running extension cords or tapping into power lines are common methods of theft.
- If you suspect theft, look for suspicious wires and monitor your electric bill for unusual increases.
- Report theft to your TDU or the police, and avoid direct confrontation for safety reasons.
- Choosing a legitimate electricity provider like Pogo Energy can help you manage costs without resorting to theft.
Everyone wants to save money on their electric bill, especially when the cruel reality is that there is no such thing as cheap electricity, even in Texas. It may be tempting to take the less honest route and get free electricity (aka—run an extension cord from your neighbor’s back porch to your home), but we are here to say stealing is wrong.
It isn’t Free Electricity if Your Neighbor is Paying For It
No one likes a thief. In the Middle Ages, it wasn’t unheard of for the punishment for someone caught stealing to be flogging, hanging, or cutting off one or both hands. Of course, we don’t live in the Middle Ages, but there is still punishment for energy thieves. In this day and age, stealing power from your neighbor or electric provider can result in hefty fines, spending time behind bars, or, at the very least, securing your name on their “people I hate” list. Free electricity isn’t free if your neighbor (or your electric provider) pays for it. Don’t be rude; sign up for an electric plan and roll up that extension cord. Pogo has a fantastic pay-as-you-go electric plan that is easy to sign up for and stay on top of.
How Do People Steal Electricity?
An obvious way to steal electricity is to run an extension cord from one house to another. The more innovative neighborhood thief will tap directly into the meter, so watch for suspicious cables coming off your meter or the electric pole. Another method people use to steal electricity is to tap directly into power lines. When someone does this, they are stealing directly from the power company. A thief may think they are getting free electricity, but we promise that if you get caught, the fines and potential jail time will cost you so much more. You also run the risk of electrocuting yourself, and if that happens, lights out for good!
We hope that you never feel the need to steal electricity from us, but we must mention that if you steal power from Pogo, Pogo will not cover the fine. We pass the fine to the thief to pay, and place a switch hold on the account. That means you can switch to another electric provider only after you pay your fine and have the switch hold removed. Your tactic for acquiring free electricity is not as free as you hoped.
How can I tell if Someone is Stealing Power from me?
An indication that someone is stealing electricity is noticing an extension cord stretched across your property to your neighbor’s dwelling. If your neighbor is more electric savvy, you may notice some extra wires hanging from your meter. More than likely, the first clue that you are giving out free electricity is that your electric bill doubles for no reason. A reason the amount you are paying for electricity may increase, which is not related to anyone stealing power, is:
- You use more electricity to maintain your home’s temperature because the weather outside has changed.
- You are using more electricity because your lifestyle has changed, i.e., you are spending more time at home, taking longer showers, or you decided to wash and dry every bit of clothing you own. (Save on your electric bill with these simple changes)
- There is a problem with your electric meter. Did you know that you can request that an electrician examine your meter at no cost once a year? Put your mind at ease and ensure your electric meter works efficiently.
What Do I Do if Someone is Stealing Electricity from Me?
If you believe a neighbor is stealing power from you, report them to your TDU or the police. Besides the fact that you don’t want to be responsible for the cost of your neighbor’s free electricity, stealing electricity is extremely dangerous and a criminal offense. You probably shouldn’t confront them for safety reasons, but you must stop the theft.
The bottom line is, don’t steal electricity. It isn’t nice and certainly won’t be cheap or free. If you are struggling to pay your energy bill or have decided it is time to find an electricity provider that works with you, not against you, let us know. Pogo Energy never charges a deposit. We do not believe in long-term commitments, and we won’t stick you with disconnect or late fees. Electricity without the B.S. is our motto. As long as you don’t steal electricity, we’ve got your back.