Greece raises fines for power theft

Power theft has become a major issue for the Greek electricity market in recent years. The government has been increasing fines for offenders.

The combined damage from power theft and network losses in distribution amounted to EUR 100 million per month in 2022, with 18% of the supplied energy being lost as a result of power theft or network losses in distribution.

It compared to an average loss of 8% in the European Union, meaning that lawful Greek consumers took a heavy burden through their bills.

Suppliers: HEDNO must shoulder power theft cost

For 2025, the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Operator (HEDNO or DEDDIE) estimates that losses will reach 11.08%. However, actual ones are believed to be much higher, as the initial numbers for previous years had to be revised retroactively.

Electricity suppliers have warned of severe consequences for the entire market if the problem is not solved. The Hellenic Association of Energy Suppliers (ESPEN) has asked for HEDNO to shoulder the initial cost of power theft, instead of them, to be motivated to reduce it.

Smart meters and fines to provide solution

In order to address power theft, the Ministry of Environment and Energy lifted fines a few months ago. Instead of 70%, offenders pay 100% more than the reference price for their category. The baseline is an average of the previous six months. Vulnerable consumers are fined 50% more than the reference price.

Based on the last update by the Greek Regulatory Authority for Energy, Waste and Water (RAEWW or RAAEY), an offender with a household connection will pay 49.45 eurocents per kilowatt-hour, up from 47.22 eurocents, while the tariff for businesses is 56.42 eurocents. It rose from 54.21 eurocents per kilowatt-hour.

The levels are revised every six months, taking into account the total cost of supply for each category, including taxes and network charges.

The ministry also counts on smart meters, since they significantly reduce opportunities for power theft. Greece has lagged behind all other European countries in smart meters. HEDNO finally began mass installation this year, expected to reach one million devices annually from 2026 onwards.