Electricity theft costs consumers €500 million annually

The public electricity provider, DEDDIE, has acknowledged the surge in energy theft, despite increased enforcement efforts. As part of its ongoing review, DEDDIE has revealed that current fines for those caught stealing electricity are significantly lower than what compliant customers pay for their consumption.

The regulatory framework, set by the Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE) in 2017, established lower penalties based on the cost of electricity at that time. However, with skyrocketing energy prices since 2021, the penalties no longer reflect the actual cost of electricity.

This discrepancy has made theft more enticing, with penalties often less than half of what a regular consumer pays. DEDDIE has proposed a new penalty structure, increasing charges by 100% for non-domestic customers and 50% for low-income households.

The cost for stolen electricity could rise significantly in the first half of 2024, reaching up to €560 per megawatt-hour for non-domestic users.

This proposed change aims to curb the rising theft, which, alongside technical losses, adds to Greece’s energy costs – estimated at nearly €1 billion, with stolen energy comprising a significant portion.

Kathimerini