APS reports 45 percent increase in power thefts

More people are stealing power and it's dangerous. You can be burned or killed by running cable to a neighbor's home or utility line.

Damon Gross with APS said the power company has seen a 45 percent jump in power theft from last year.

He said APS will support prosecution to the fullest extent of the law any culprit guilty of stealing power "in any kind of case because it's too much of a safety risk and the cost is borne by all of our customers."

Gross said he isn't aware of any injuries or deaths in the Valley.

Utilities nationwide report some small businesses have resorted to power theft to keep the doors open. And many pot growers are stealing power to run grow lights.

"If you're struggling with a bill and that happens to a lot of people, just give us a call and we'd be happy to work with you."

He said a lot of times when they have to disconnect someone's service, it's because the customer hasn't contacted them about financial problems.

SRP, however, said it's seeing a decrease in power theft because of ‘smart meters' that will detect abnormal use patterns.

But power shutoffs nationwide doubled last year due to the lagging economy. "It's a tough time. But the risk of stealing power is too great - both from a safety standpoint and putting yourself at the mercy of the law for theft."