Electricity-theft rackets are being targeted through tougher measures prepared by the energy ministry, including loss of professional licenses for electricians bribed to offer their services for such practices.

The energy ministry has just forwarded a related bill containing tougher rules for consultation as part of its effort to clamp down on electricity theft.

Electricity theft has been on the rise, reaching roughly 13,000 cases, annually, while the majority of offenders stem from the business sector, energy ministry Thodoris Skylakakis has noted.

Electricity theft has been estimated to represent 4.8 percent of the electricity market for an annual loss of nearly 400 million euros, a sum ultimately covered by lawful consumers, the minister has pointed out.

Under the new rules, electricians will need to sign affidavits certifying that their installations are lawful and in accordance with safety regulations.

Electricity supply to properties will only begin once DEDDIE/HEDNO, the distribution network operator, has been informed that affidavits have been submitted by electricians.

Other measures included in the energy ministry’s bill include a four-month limit on the use of the country’s universal electricity supply service by black-listed household and business consumers who have been shunned by suppliers over payment failures.

At present, black-listed consumers no longer accepted by electricity suppliers can rely on the universal electricity supply service for unlimited periods.

Provided collectively – by law – by the electricity market’s top five suppliers, based on market share, the universal electricity supply service has grown to become a key supplier.