Efforts by Greek authorities to clamp down on electricity theft are being intensified as distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO, on the front line of the battle, is now been provided detailed information by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), including tax office details of taxpayers, tax file numbers, full names, as well as residential and business addresses of electricity consumers.

With such details at its disposal, made possible by a new legislative act forwarded by the energy ministry, DEDDIE/HEDNO will be able to cross-examine tax file numbers declared by customers.

The energy ministry had promised to take such action last autumn. At the time, the ministry had discovered a considerable amount of nonsensical information, including roughly 1.5 million power meters registered on power utility PPC’s records without owners or tax file numbers.

This discovery prompted the energy ministry to decide to ask DEDDIE/HEDNO to proceed with cross-examinations of tax file numbers and power meters in collaboration with AADE, the tax authority.