Did you know that according to industry standards, an estimated $248,220 is lost each year to energy theft?

Didn’t realize that stealing energy was such a problem? Wouldn’t you rather have had that $248, 220 in the pockets of those of us who work hard to pay our bills? Since Edisto Electric Cooperative is member owned, that means that energy theft is costing you money as well. Covering energy theft drives up prices for everyone involved, except, of course, the thief.

In order to keep our rates affordable, we must work together to put a stop to energy theft. Not only is it detrimental to keeping Edisto Electric’s rates down, but it is illegal under South Carolina Code 16-13-385 to tamper with your electric meter. Those who do so are not only exposing themselves to criminal charges, but to a very life threatening situation – electrical shock.

Do not cut the seal on your meter base for any reason. If you need the seal cut for access to the meter base, call us ahead of time to schedule someone to come out and help you. Even a licensed electrician must have an Edisto Electric Co-op Technician cut the seal on the electrical meter. The charge for unauthorized seal cutting is $200.00.

We have trained our Field Service Technicians to recognize the signs of meter tampering. Edisto Electric Cooperative has, and will continue to prosecute anyone who has tampered with their electric meter or tries to illegally reconnect their electric service. The charge for meter tampering is $200.00.

If you know or think you know of anyone stealing electricity, let us know by:
Submitting your report to Edisto Electric Cooperative online, or by calling us at 1-800-433-3292.