Illegal electricity connections: definition and how to report them

Defining an illegal electricity connection

An illegal connection involves hooking up a home or business to the power grid without authorisation. It also implies tampering with the electrical system or meter so that it doesn’t record actual consumption. This is typically done by creating splices in the wiring panel, tapping into the main power line, or manipulating metering equipment. It’s a fraudulent act that harms other users and can constitute a criminal offence.

Beyond increasing other consumers’ bills and reducing tax revenue, these practices encourage unfair competition and put the entire neighbourhood's safety at risk. Improvised connections greatly increase the risk of overloads, short circuits, and fires —potentially damaging household appliances and the main installation, as well as endangering both residents and maintenance workers. Illegal connections are classified as offences under Spain’s Criminal Code. Thus, any suspicion should be reported immediately so that authorities and the distribution company can investigate and take action.

The dangers of an illegal electricity connection

An illegal connection doesn’t just represent economic fraud by consuming electricity without paying for it —it also poses a serious risk to people’s safety, homes, and electrical installations. These makeshift connections are installed without technical standards or professional supervision, turning them into potential sources of serious accidents.

Higher fire risk

One of the most common dangers linked to illegal connections is fire. Poorly executed splices, low-quality materials, or excessive electrical loads on cables not designed to handle such power can generate sparks, overheating, and combustion. These fires can quickly spread through a building’s electrical system, threatening lives and causing severe property damage.

Overloads and short circuits

Electrical systems are designed to operate within specific parameters. An illegal connection disrupts that balance, placing excessive demand on the system. This can cause overloads that compromise the internal grid, leading to short circuits, unexpected blackouts, and irreversible damage to appliances, electronic devices, and other connected equipment.

Risk of electrocution

The risk of electrocution is especially high in installations tampered with by unqualified individuals. Exposed wires, uninsulated connections, and missing protective devices increase the likelihood that a neighbour or technician could suffer an electric shock —sometimes with fatal consequences.

Structural damage

Illegal connections don’t just affect the individual installation, but they can also damage shared building systems. Electrical panels, conduits, service lines, and protective systems may deteriorate or become inoperative due to tampering. This creates a collective problem, as repairing the damage often requires complex and costly interventions that impact the entire community.

Power outages

When an illegal connection is detected, the distribution company may cut off the power supply at the affected point. However, fraudulent connections can also cause unplanned outages that impact other users connected to the same grid —especially disruptive in residential buildings, businesses, or facilities that depend on a steady electricity supply.

Maintenance issues and added costs

Illegal connections complicate the work of technicians responsible for maintaining the electrical grid. Since these connections are unregistered and undocumented, they can go unnoticed during routine inspections, increasing the risk of unexpected failures. Once detected, correcting them involves additional costs, which often fall on the community or the distributor —indirectly affecting all users.

In short, beyond the financial losses for the energy system and consumers, an illegal electricity connection puts people’s safety and the stability of electrical installations at serious risk. Detecting and reporting them is not just a civic duty but a preventive measure to avoid accidents and protect the community’s well-being.

Legal consequences of an illegal electricity connection

Stealing electricity isn’t just using energy without paying; it’s a serious offence that can lead to administrative fines and criminal charges. In Spain, this practice is recognised as a crime under Article 255 of the Criminal Code, which imposes penalties on those who tamper with installations to defraud the electricity supply. Consequences may vary depending on the scale of the fraud and the offender’s involvement:

Fines

Penalties for electricity fraud can exceed €1,000 and may rise significantly in cases of repeat offences or damages to third parties. The payment for the stolen energy is also required.

Criminal liability

If the value of the stolen electricity exceeds certain thresholds, the crime may carry prison sentences of up to 12 months.

Suspension of supply

The distribution company has the right to cut off power at the affected point until the installation is regularised and related costs are paid.

Claims for damages

In addition to paying for the stolen electricity, the responsible party may be required to cover inspection and repair costs and compensate for any resulting damages.

It’s important to note that liability doesn’t only fall on the person who made the illegal connection —if it’s proven that the contract holder knew about or consented to the tampering, they can also face penalties.

How to detect a possible illegal connection near you

Identifying an illegal electricity connection isn’t always easy, but there are warning signs that can raise suspicion:

• Unusual power consumption: a sudden increase in your bill without changes in usage habits could indicate a diversion affecting your meter.
• Meter reading test: note down the meter reading, turn off all appliances from the main panel, and wait a few minutes. If the meter continues to register consumption, there may be an unauthorised external connection.
• Visual inspection: without touching anything, check the meter room for poorly joined wires, unusual devices, or open boxes; they are possible signs of tampering.
• Burnt smell or sparks: these may indicate overloads or faulty wiring, often associated with makeshift connections.
• Unannounced modifications: if you notice recent changes in the common installation without any communication to the community, it’s recommended to investigate them.

If you suspect anything, contact the distribution company so they can carry out a technical inspection.

Steps to take if you detect an illegal connection

If you suspect an illegal connection in your building or neighbourhood, it’s essential to act responsibly and follow these steps: 

1. Do not touch or interfere with the installation —you could endanger yourself or compromise evidence.
2. Inform the distribution company via phone, email, or their website. Reports can be anonymous and are handled confidentially.
3. Provide useful details such as the exact address, meter number, or SPUC code (if known). Describe what you’ve observed and, if safe, include photos.
4. Request a technical inspection. The distributor will send authorised technicians to check for fraudulent connections.
5. Cooperate with the process. Provide access or information if requested to help the investigation.

If there’s immediate danger, such as smoke, sparks, or a burning smell, call emergency services first. Safety always comes first.

How to prevent electrical risks at home

The best way to protect your home from electrical hazards is to maintain a safe, up-to-date installation. Here are some key recommendations:

• Regular inspection: ensure your electrical panel and protection devices are in good condition. Routine checks can prevent serious faults.
• Qualified professionals: always hire certified electricians for any work —avoid DIY or unlicensed solutions.
• Proper documentation: for work in shared building areas, request the necessary permits and certificates to ensure legality.
• Check outlets and cables: look out for frayed wires, damaged sockets, or worn-out appliances, and replace them promptly.
• Building inspection: if it hasn’t been done recently, request a general check —it can reveal hidden issues affecting the entire community.

A well-maintained electrical system not only protects your home but also helps ensure everyone’s safety.