The main power utility PPC is pressuring HEDNO, the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator, to adopt a stricter approach when dealing with cases of electricity theft, including legal and extrajudicial action.

The utility estimates that it is being deprived of an amount worth over 300 million euros, which exceeds 500 million euros should VAT costs be included.

This cost has an immediate effect on PPC’s finances and is eventually rolled over to consumers when included in electricity bill surcharges.

PPC disputes an electricity theft estimate forwarded by HEDNO to RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, which the operator put at 3.6 percent of total electricity used in 2016.

PPC believes its overall electricity loss amounts to 10.5 percent of all electricity used. The utility attributes 5.5 percent of the loss to technical issues and the other 5 percent to electricity theft.