A customer of PLN, Indonesia’s state-owned electricity company that supplies power to most Balinese homes, was fined for a damaged electricity meter during home renovations. The fine amounted to 34 million rupiahs, which is over $2,000.
Teresia Tiratna accidentally damaged her electricity meter while renovating her house. An object fell on the device, causing its transparent casing to open slightly. As a result, the screen displayed the word “RUSAK”, meaning “broken”, but the security seal remained intact. Following this, she began experiencing electrical issues and reported the problem to PLN via its mobile app. PLN staff arrived, assessed the situation, and fixed the issue. However, they also issued Teresia a hefty bill.
“We immediately reported the damage through the PLN Mobile app. After inspection, the officers said, ‘Wow, this is a serious case, ma’am.’ We really didn’t expect the fine to be so high because the damage wasn’t severe,” she explained.
“I never expected to be fined 34 million rupiahs,” Teresia said in shock. She also advised homeowners undergoing renovations to move or properly protect their electricity meters to avoid unexpected and costly fines.
“Honestly, if I had known from the start that relocating the meter was cheap, only 150,000 rupiahs, I would have moved it immediately. A life lesson—better to pay 150,000 rupiahs than be fined 34 million,” she added.
According to PLN’s official website, consumers are not allowed to move electricity meters on their own.
PLN manager Imadiya Nareswari confirmed the incident, stating that the issue had been resolved and the customer had fulfilled their obligations.
It is worth noting that PLN strictly monitors its electricity meters to prevent fraud. Many resourceful Indonesians attempt to avoid paying for electricity or even tap into their neighbor’s power supply. As a result, PLN enforces strict penalties for violations, including damaging the meter, tampering with security seals, or bypassing the system.
Tampering with electricity meters can lead to hefty fines or even imprisonment. If you encounter an issue with your meter, do not attempt to fix it yourself—always contact your electricity provider.
Sources: nusabali, jatimtimes
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