Electricity theft in East Denmark is increasingly impacting energy costs for legitimate consumers, with companies intensifying their efforts to combat the crime.
Last year, Denmark's electricity companies Cerius-Radius reported 179 cases of electricity theft amounting to over 20 million kroner, highlighting a significant issue in the region. The company, which supplies electricity to 1.5 million people in Eastern Denmark, has indicated a notable drop in cases to 140 in 2024, with losses reducing to 9 million kroner, yet the problem persists. The theft is particularly concerning as people are illegally siphoning power for their heat pumps, saunas, and Jacuzzis, raising costs for law-abiding customers who end up shouldering the burden.
Cäthe Bay Smidt, a leading manager at Cerius-Radius, emphasized the company’s commitment to protecting its lawful customers and expressed intolerance for such illegal activities. As electricity companies face the impact of these crimes, they have engaged in proactive cooperation with police to investigate and address instances of electricity theft. The push against electricity theft indicates a broader concern about the necessity of fair charging for power consumption, as the losses inevitably affect all subscribers.
To enhance their efforts, Cerius-Radius has increased staffing and operational focus through their operational company Nexel, which is specifically tasked with locating the thieves. It reflects a determined approach to combating this type of crime, which not only affects corporate profits but also the overall energy market, so that the integrity and fairness for every consumer is maintained. The ongoing battle against power theft highlights the challenges energy companies face in ensuring equitable access to resources while maintaining legal compliance across their consumer base.
