04/23/2014
Homeowner jailed for stealing electricity by modifying meter
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A Harlingen woman is facing charges after she found a way to alter an electric meter installed at her home.
Representatives from American Electric Power (AEP) contacted Harlingen police after it was discovered an electric meter was altered by installing an electric resistor.
AEP meters are “capable of reporting meter-tampering to the utility,” according to their website.
Identifying that the homeowner was allegedly stealing the electricity lead to the arrest of Priscilla Vela.
When an electric resistor is installed, it can cause an inaccurate reading of kilowatt usage.
AEP reported to Harlingen police that they suffered about a $694.91 loss from the theft.
Vela was charged with theft of service and was booked at the Harlingen city jail.
According to the Texas Penal Code, a person commits theft of service if they deliberately did it to avoid payment.
Since AEP suffered a loss over $500 and less than $1,500, Vela was charged with a class a misdemeanor.
Electricity theft is a trend that can be seen as near as Houston, according CBS affiliate KHOU.
Electricity theft is a trend that can be seen as near as Houston, according CBS affiliate KHOU.
The TV station reports that those stealing electricity can cost the honest users money and can potentially be a fire hazard.
AEP Texas says people working for them are trained to monitor and even recognize meter tampering.
“Electric meter tampering may not sound dangerous, but the facts are that tampering with an electric meter can cause a fire… it may kill you,” AEP says on their website.
The 32-year-old Harlingen woman was issued a $1,000 bond for the alleged crime.
Vela faces up to one year in jail or and/or up to a $4,000 fine.
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