With a united front against the ever-growing phenomenon of power theft, Greece’s tax authority (AADE) and electricity distribution operator (DEDDIE) are joining forces, deploying tax data, digital tools and intensive inspections to rapidly identify violators. Under the new operation being immediately implemented, AADE will provide data through the “Unified DEDDIE Registries” application from tax return forms E1, E2 and E3 based on supply number, tax year and taxpayer ID, along with additional property identification elements considered “key” for inspections.
Power theft: Direct DEDDIE access to tax data and property identification
Tax data will now directly connect with DEDDIE’s database, which already conducts cross-checks using network information, on-site inspections, and numerous complaints filed on the operator’s electronic platform. This new collaboration is expected to strengthen DEDDIE’s “arsenal” in the “battle” to reduce power theft, a problem that drains valuable resources from the energy system and shifts costs to compliant consumers.
With DEDDIE’s direct access to tax data and property identification information, inspections now gain greater accuracy, speed and depth, creating a protective shield against practices that have reached alarming proportions, especially in tourist areas. Notably, over 15,500 power theft cases have been detected since the beginning of the year, with DEDDIE activating new types of inspections, organized operations, digital tools and “smart” meters. Most cases appear during summer months, mainly in areas with intense tourist activity.
The percentages of confirmed or suspected power theft relative to the number of inspections are indicative: 41.7% in Ikaria, 37.8% in Mykonos, 22.3% in Rhodes, 15.7% in Kos, 15% in Rethymno, 12.9% in Tinos, 12.6% in Santorini, 12.5% in Paros, 9.4% in Agios Nikolaos, 8.3% in Heraklion, 7.5% in Chania and 5.8% in Naxos.
From July 1, 2025, fines for power theft have become much steeper. Those caught stealing electricity will have to pay higher amounts for the kilowatt-hours they consumed without paying. A residential consumer will now pay 49.453 euro cents for each stolen kilowatt-hour, up from 47.217 cents in June. For commercial consumers, the fine adjusts to 56.4 cents per kilowatt-hour, from 54.121 cents.
