TheZamboanga City Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ZAMCELCO) has vowed to crack down onpower pilferage, illegal connections, and theft of power transmission lines,materials, and supplies in the city.
In theregular press briefing at City Hall Monday, October 14, Zamcelco spokesperson FerdieRodriguez reported that Zamcelco management has formed a revenue protectiongroup for the purpose of handling cases specifically violating RA 7832 or theAnti-electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of1994.
Membersof the cooperative underwent a recent refresher course on the RA 7832spearheaded by the Energy Regulation Commission (ERC).
“It isthe right time to enlighten our MCOs on the provisions [RA 7832],” Rodriguezstressed.
TheAnti-electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of1994 categorizes illegal use of electricity as: 1) tapping to any connectionwith overhead lines, service drops, or other electric service wires, withoutprevious authority or consent of the private electric utility or rural electriccooperative concerned, 2) flying connections, or tapping any connection toexisting electric service facilities of any duly registered consumer withoutthe latter’s or the electric utility’s consent or authority, 3) tampering,installing or using a tampered electrical meter, jumper, current reversingtransformer, shorting or shunting wire, loop connection or any other devicewhich interferes with the proper or accurate registry or metering of electriccurrent, and 4) damaging or destroying an electric meter, equipment, wire orconduit or allowing any of them to be so damaged or destroyed as to interferewith the proper or accurate metering of electric current.
Additionally,knowingly using or receiving the direct benefit of electric service obtainedthrough any of the aforementioned acts likewise constitute a violation of theRA 7832.
Underthe RA 7832, power pilferage, illegal use, and theft of power transmissionlines and supplies carries appropriate penalties and fines ranging from P10,000 to P 100,000, depending on the violations committed and under thediscretion of the court.
Furthermore,RA 7832 states that “if the offense is committed by, or in connivance with, anofficer or employee of the power company, private electric utility or ruralelectric cooperative concerned, such officer or employee shall, uponconviction, be punished with a penalty one (1) degree higher than the penaltyprovided herein, and forthwith be dismissed and perpetually disqualified fromemployment in any public or private utility or service company and from holdingany public office”.
Rodrigueznoted that Zamcelco has the right to immediately terminate the electric serviceof violators.
“ElZAMCELCO tiene deretso to disconnect el electric service del violators del RA7832, after serving written notice,” he said.
Thecooperative will request the presence of law enforcers to assist in theapprehension of violators of RA 7832 as the foregoing circ*mstances must bewitnessed and attested by an officer of the law or representative of the ERC tobe considered as prima facie evidence. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)
I am a seasoned expert in the field of electricity regulations and power management, having devoted years to studying and implementing policies related to power distribution. My expertise extends to the intricate details of acts like RA 7832, also known as the Anti-electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article:
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Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ZAMCELCO):
- This is an electric cooperative based in Zamboanga City, as indicated by its name.
- The cooperative is actively addressing issues related to power pilferage, illegal connections, and theft of power transmission lines and materials within the city.
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RA 7832 (Anti-electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994):
- This is a legal framework implemented to combat illegal activities related to the use of electricity.
- The article mentions that Zamcelco is cracking down on cases violating RA 7832.
- It categorizes illegal use of electricity into various acts, including tapping to any connection without authorization, flying connections, tampering with electrical meters, and damaging or destroying electric infrastructure.
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Revenue Protection Group:
- Zamcelco management has formed a revenue protection group specifically to handle cases violating RA 7832.
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Enlightenment on RA 7832:
- Members of the cooperative underwent a recent refresher course on RA 7832, led by the Energy Regulation Commission (ERC).
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Penalties and Fines under RA 7832:
- The article outlines the penalties and fines associated with power pilferage, illegal use, and theft of power transmission lines and supplies under RA 7832.
- Penalties range from P10,000 to P100,000, depending on the violations, and are at the discretion of the court.
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Termination of Electric Service:
- Zamcelco has the right to immediately terminate the electric service of violators of RA 7832, following a written notice.
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Involvement of Law Enforcers:
- The cooperative will request the presence of law enforcers to assist in the apprehension of violators.
- The circ*mstances must be witnessed and attested by an officer of the law or representative of the ERC to be considered prima facie evidence.
In conclusion, the article outlines the proactive measures taken by Zamcelco, the legal framework of RA 7832, the formation of a revenue protection group, and the strict enforcement of penalties to deter illegal activities in the realm of electricity distribution. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on any aspect, feel free to ask.
