electric utility fraud

Electric utility fraud occurs when individuals or businesses illegally manipulate or bypass the electricity billing or metering system to avoid paying full charges. This can include unauthorized connections (kiting power), tampering with meters, or using counterfeit meters to under-report electricity usage. Such actions deprive utility companies of revenue, potentially leading to increased costs for other consumers and safety hazards like electrical fires. Detecting and preventing utility fraud ensures fair billing, maintains system integrity, and promotes public safety.