Endesa fights metre rigging

Magdalena Frau, Endesa spokeswoman said that in 2011 alone, the electrity which was used but wasn't paid for in the Balearics amounted to 49.87 gigawatts/hour, enough to supply the whole regional network for three-and-a-half days.

There were 6'233 cases of possible electricity fraud investigated last year in the Balearics compared to 4'124 in 2010, a year-on-year increase of 51 percent.

The aim of tricksters is to be able to use more electricity without the drain on power being reflected in the metre. Investigations being carried out by Endesa into illegalities have become exhaustive.

In 2011, the company's fraud team responded to 8'294 client complaints, 151 percent more than in 2010.
Endesa said that not all the telephone calls they receive are from clients who are claiming, unjustifiably that they are paying too much for the electricity used. The company, said Frau, does pay heed to clients who have excessive bills which don't correspond to the level of electricity they have contracted; and there are some clients, she said who phone because they know their electricity bills are too low.

Apparently, people “get up to all sorts of things” to avoid paying higher bills. Amongst other devices, investigators have discovered secret links tapping into other electricity supplies, insulating tape on junction boxes, and double connections.

Endesa pointed out that people who meddle with electricity sources without specialist knowledge stand a real risk of a fatal shock.
Frau claimed that fraudsters come from all sources of Balearic society. Although there is frequent fraudulent practice in neighbourhoods which are home to low (or no) income earners, there are also cases in more affluent areas.

The company has a “map” showing areas where fraud is taking place. “We must stop these practices,” for all our sakes,” said Frau.