THE Ministry of Electric Power has once again warned the public not to relocate or install power meters without permission and to completely refrain from illegal connections.
The Mandalay Electricity Supply Corporation, under the MoEP, has issued a notice to consumers outlining the penalties for illegal meter installations and unauthorized electricity usage.
If illegal utility usage is detected, it will take action in accordance with its procedures, including demanding compensation, fines, and taking legal action.
Regarding electricity usage, Section 52 of the 2014 Electricity Law prohibits anyone from connecting, wasting, or stealing electricity without the authorized permission, while Section 53 bans relocating, cutting lines, destroying equipment, illegally connecting, or manipulating meters to steal electricity.
Violating Section 53 may result in a fine for the first offense, followed by both a fine and up to two years in prison for later offenses. Violating Section 53 may lead to the imprisonment of five to 10 years under Section 63. Section 64 states that accomplices will face the same penalties as the offender, while Section 65 stipulates that offenders must compensate for any loss caused. — Htun Htun/ZN
