Council clamps down on utility loses

The City Council on Tuesday approved proposed ordinance amendments that will strengthen Glendale Water & Power’s ability to find and penalize the theft of electricity or water service.

Service theft, especially of electricity, is estimated to cost the utility several million dollars annually.

The proposed amendments define prohibited acts as meter tampering and unauthorized use or theft of service and provides for the recovery of fees and costs.

They also include provisions allowing the utility to disconnect services in places where service theft has occurred.

The stricter enforcement regulations will take effect in 30 days.

For more details, check back online or pick up Friday’s print edition.