The fight against power theft intensifies with new measures from the Energy Regulatory Authority (RAE), which will impose stricter fines starting July 2025. The decision published in the Government Gazette provides for a 5% increase in charges for those engaged in electricity theft, while the Ministry of Environment and Energy is preparing a new framework of criminal sanctions for the fall, according to a report by “Apogevmatini.”
New power theft fines for second half of 2025
The revised fines reflect a coordinated effort by all involved authorities to limit a phenomenon that costs hundreds of millions of euros annually. The electricity distribution operator has also intensified inspections, while the cost of power theft is passed on to law-abiding consumers.
According to the new decision, households found stealing electricity will pay 49.453 cents per kilowatt-hour, up from 47.217 cents in June. For businesses and non-residential consumers, the fine amounts to 56.4 cents per KWh, from 54.12 cents previously.
Differentiated fines by consumer category
Recipients of the Social Residential Tariff (SRT) are treated with greater leniency due to their socioeconomic profile.
Fines for these categories range:
• SRT A: 16.89 cents per kilowatt-hour
• SRT B: medium-scale fines
• SRT C: up to 30.34 cents per kilowatt-hour
This gradation reflects RAE’s criteria for social justice in imposing sanctions.
Calculation methodology and future adjustments
The fine adjustment is part of RAE’s updated methodology for calculating the total amount paid by violators. The methodology provides for review of monetary penalties on a six-month basis, to align with current retail electricity prices.
The new charges are increased due to rising electricity prices during the first half of 2025, which formed the calculation basis. Meanwhile, additional amounts that consumers must pay to cover costs faced by the electricity distribution operator in combating power theft remain unchanged.
For households and businesses connected to Low Voltage, the additional amount reaches 461.65 euros when equipment replacement is required. These measures aim to deter power theft and protect law-abiding consumers from additional costs that burden their bills.
