Bangkok: The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) is ramping up its efforts to inspect tampered electricity meters used in illegal Bitcoin mining operations. This initiative follows a recent raid conducted in collaboration with Samut Sakhon police, which uncovered damages amounting to over 3.3 million baht.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Methee Sukkam, Director of Engineering and Services at PEA Region 3 in Nakhon Pathom Province, worked closely with officers from the Samut Sakhon City Police Station to probe a case of electricity meter tampering specifically for Bitcoin mining in Samut Sakhon Province. The investigation revealed the use of a 3-phase computer system for mining, which resulted in high energy consumption of 65.481 kW. However, the meter was manipulated to not register this usage. A police report was filed, and a search warrant was obtained to further inspect the premises. It was discovered that the mining system consumed over 90 amps per phase, leading to a significant loss of more than 47,146 units of electricity monthly, valued at 235,731 baht, with total damages surpassing 3,300,234 baht.

In a meeting held on December 8, Mr. Mongkol Treekitjanon, Governor of the PEA, emphasized the urgency of addressing illegal electricity usage for Bitcoin mining and the unauthorized installation of communication cables on electricity poles. The meeting aimed to formulate policy guidance and strategies for investigating and prosecuting those involved in such illegal activities.

The PEA has highlighted that tampering with electricity meters is a legal offense that can lead to severe consequences, including power outages and fires due to overloading. The public is encouraged to report any instances of illegal electricity use to their local PEA office or the PEA Contact Center at 1129, which is operational 24/7.