Coelba registered more than 98 illegal electricity connections in 2012.
The Bahia Electric Energy Company (Coelba) recorded a loss of R$ 455 million in 2012 due to illegal power connections throughout the state, known as "gatos" (cats); 98 irregularities were detected, with 31,5 found in the capital, according to an article in the Tribuna da Bahia newspaper; in the first half of this year, the company counted 28,6 illegal connections throughout Bahia; of the total, 6,8 were in Salvador.
Bahia 247
The Bahia Electric Energy Company (Coelba) recorded losses of R$ 455 million in 2012 due to illegal power connections throughout the state, known as "gatos" (cats). 98 irregularities were detected, with 31,5 found in the capital city, according to an article in the newspaper Tribuna da Bahia.
In the first half of this year, the company recorded 28,6 illegal connections throughout Bahia. Of that total, 6,8 were in Salvador. Coelba also says that in the capital, the practice is being carried out in all neighborhoods and by all social classes.
In addition to being considered a crime under Article 155 of the Penal Code, punishable by one to eight years in prison, illegal electricity connection is a dangerous practice. Those who engage in this illegal activity also run a serious risk of death by touching the electrical grid because they are susceptible to electric shocks, as well as causing short circuits.
To curb the practice, Coelba says it is conducting a special operation throughout Bahia with the aim of minimizing illegal connections and raising public awareness about the risks and damages resulting from the act.
Combating illegal connections also aims to guarantee the safety of the electrical system, since these fraudulent activities harm many consumers through energy overload, which interferes with the quality of supply.
The company also says it is investing in educational campaigns, expanding its teams, carrying out inspection operations, shielding meters, and regularizing illegal connections.