300 km of illegal wiring retrieved in Iloilo anti-jumper raids -power utility

Illegal wiring or "jumper cables" estimated to be 300 kilometers long if placed end to end have been seized in Iloilo City during a month-long drive against illegal electric connections in the area, according to the local power utility.

In a statement, More Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) said that engineers estimated that the wires could weigh at least 10 tons if put together on a weighing scale.

According to the power utility, studies conducted by engineering firm MIESCOR Engineering Corp. indicate that there could be as many as 30,000 illegal power connections around the city.

“The high number of illegal power connections contributes to the high systems loss that the utility passes on to consumers and its own operating costs, resulting in high electricity rates that when not granted often result in less high capital expenditures by the utility so it could replace ageing equipment and wires,” it said.

At present, the power utility has conducted anti-jumper raids in 156 out of 180 barangays in the city, while around 5,000 illegal jumpers have been netted.

MORE Power has also placed almost 500 guards in areas where power pilferage was observed to be prevalent.

The 17 individuals previously caught by authorities for installing jumper cables have been moved sued in court. MORE said bail totaling P130,000 has been set by the court for their temporary freedom. -MDM, GMA News