35 power, water thefts in 3 months

The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation uncovered 35 power and water theft incidents in just the first three months of the year—a number that CUC deputy executive director Alan Fletcher considers alarming.

He said yesterday that the 35 theft of services cases were investigated from January to March 2012 and that 26 of those cases were sent to the Attorney General’s Office for evaluation and possible prosecution. The determination to prosecute depends on the OAG and is based on the evidence collected, he added.

He said six other cases are now being processed administratively and these typically entail payment of back charges.

He explained that in some investigations, no action is taken or required. When called to conduct an investigation, CUC’s compliance officer must determine a series of facts through direct observations. Not all cases, he said, rise to a theft of services “threshold” due to mitigating circumstances.

“As far as an increase in theft of services, yes, we feel these activities are on the upswing. Whether due to the economy, high utility bills, or people just cutting corners, theft of services is a violation of CMNI law and CUC regulations,” Fletcher said.

Since CUC is a non-profit utility that services only the CNMI, theft cases cost paying customers more, he added. “Basically people are stealing from their neighbors.”

According to Fletcher, CUC continues its aggressive efforts in tracking down these illegal power and water connections to avert continuous losses that are estimated to reach thousands of dollars.

The theft of power—oftentimes by jumping electrical meters—and water—typically through illegal taps that are unmetered—can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars every year, according to CUC estimates.

Just for the February and March period, the agency said it discovered 12 major instances of theft that were turned over to the OAG for prosecution.

Besides tracking down power and water thefts, the agency is also working with federal investigators from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in going after copper wire thieves, which so far has cost ratepayers close to $20,000 as well as sporadic service outages on Saipan.

“All instances of theft are direct violations of laws and may be subject to criminal prosecution. In addition, theft of copper wire from federally funded water, wastewater, and power facilities are not only dangerous but perpetrators may face federal charges as well,” said CUC in a separate statement yesterday.

CUC, in conjunction with other government agencies, said that it is also blocking thieves’ access to any markets for selling the contraband. “Currently, officials are working with recyclers, conducting unannounced inspections, and reviewing documentation of copper sales to the recycle industry. Recyclers must retain extensive documentation of scrap sales or face stiff fines and/or business sanctions,” CUC added.

CUC asked the public to help the agency in controlling costs by reporting copper wire or theft of services. It advised the public to contact CUC directly or call Crime Stoppers for any suspected theft incidents.