HEDNO, the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator, received 320,000 orders to cut electricity supply in 2016, a figure representing about 4.3 percent of the country’s total number of power meters, the operator, announced yesterday.

HEDNO, which manages the low and medium-voltage networks, was able to follow through and complete the supply cut orders on roughly 150,000 power meters, less than half of the total requested.

While informing Greek Parliament on the matter yesterday, a HEDNO official noted that the operator, in its attempt to act on as many supply cut orders as possible, met considerable resistance, In some cases, operator work teams required police protection to reach power meters, parliament was told.

Certain clients take last-minute action by rushing to either settle unpaid electricity bills or make pay-back arrangements through monthly installments when HEDNO technical teams arrive to their addresses to cut power supply, parliament was told.

In some cases, HEDNO teams, unable to gain entry into properties during initial attempts, have been forced to schedule return visits.

HEDNO also reported over 10,000 cases of electricity theft for 2016. Some 3,500 law suits have been filed against offenders, while legal action for all other cases is being prepared.

HEDNO’s electricity theft for 2014 and 2015 was estimated at 3.2 percent, less than the figure reported by the main power utility PPC, which the utility put at 5.5 percent.