What is the punishment for stealing electricity?
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What is the punishment for stealing electricity?
My neighbor recently had their electricity turned off because they weren’t paying the bill and ran it up to $2,500. The electric company wasn’t really willing to work to resolve the problem and went ahead and turned the power off. My neighbor rigged the box outside their house though so now they are getting electricity again. What is the punishment if she gets caught?
Asked on October 13, 2010 under Criminal Law, Wisconsin
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
This is a criminal offense. Depending on the amount in question it could be a felony. The fact is that utility theft is a big problem, and getting bigger by the day. In recent years, WI utility companies have hired more investigators for just this very reason - theft of services. If your neighbor gets caught, they are in for major legal troubles.
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