By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

POWER theft has cost the Guam Power Authority thousands of dollars in lost revenue, the utility announced yesterday.
According to GPA general manager Joaquin C. Flores, power theft for fiscal year 2006 alone cost the utility and the island’s rate payers $190,000.
Last fiscal year, approximately 171 meter tampering investigations were conducted of which 71, or 40 percent, were confirmed utility thefts.
GPA defines energy theft as the unauthorized use of electricity through deliberate and intentional acts by a customer to obtain un-metered or partially un-metered power without payment for services.
“Just like when goods are stolen from a shop, honest paying customers pick up the cost through higher prices. Every dollar stolen is added to your power bill,” Flores said.
The GPA Internal Audit Revenue Protection Section has been tasked to look into the prevention, detection, investigation and recovery of lost revenues due to electricity theft.
GPA said the public’s help is needed to ensure the success of this program.
People who have knowledge of or have any information regarding meter tampering, illegal hook ups or any energy fraud and abuse can call GPA IA-RPS at 648-3090/3091/3092 or fax 648-3163 and be specific as to service locations.
Residents may also provide the information on GPA’s Web site and submit a report. All information received will be held in the strictest of confidence.
GPA account holders with documented meter tampering infractions reapplying for reconnection of power services will be required to: (1) pay in full all inactive account balances; (2) complete a Meter Tampering Letter of Acknowledgement form for back billing and penalty; (3) pay an increased security deposit fee; and (4) charged a reconnection fee that must be paid before service can be reconnected.
GPA warned that no reconnection of power service will be authorized until the aforementioned criteria have been met.