Stealing Electricity — suicide or ....?

[Daithy]

Hi everyone,

I have recently upgraded my grow room (not yet operating) to 2x1000W and 1x600W HIDs. Lately there have been shit loads of busts in this country (Ireland) and I am starting to freak out. I am starting to think that a lot of grow rooms are being caught because Electric companies give the cops heads up for house holds with big bills.

Anyway,...

I have my meter rigged the past year. It's the old analogue (spinning disk) meter. I am able to stop it when necessary, so basically I can control my monthly units to desired amounts.

I hear from some people that the company might be able to see if there is too much electricity being drawn in the neighbourhood. Is it true? Surely they can't pinpoint it down to the house: if they could no need for meter and meter-reading guy. Perhaps they can see the consumption of the block or street....

Anyway, what's more dangerous

1) Having the company know that you have massive bill and can snitch on you (the company is state own btw)
2) Getting in serious trouble for growing AND having the meter rigged — however, I am still keeping a decent bill (not 0 like), so they might not find out. I have been using it successfully over a year, but not 2600W though.


Thanks!

 

[cann.i.bliss]

That's is a very good point you make there just remember hydroponic systems are not illegal just growing drugs in them is lol I can't imagine they can just go searching your tents without some kind of probable cause tho?? Different laws in each country I guess

 

[malicifice]

I wouldn't mess with the meter, manually stopping it wont effect how much power you draw it will just break the meter and have somebody out to your house faster. 2600 watts is nothing in speaking of power consumption. 50 inch tv, computer, refrigerator, heating/cooling, video games, it all adds up. Throw a couple guitar amps in there. Most people who get into trouble find it from talking to much, to much traffic selling drugs, pissed of people who know what you are growing, that kind of stuff. I don't know it is different here in the states, but it seems like those are the main reasons here. But I would leave the meter alone.

 

[cann.i.bliss]

Like for all they know you could be growing tomatoes in them

 

[malicifice]

Like for all they know you could be growing tomatoes in them

Of course. I would think that if they thought you were using a lot of power they would try to help you find out why before calling the cops on speculation. Here they will come out and check your appliances to make sure they are working properly if you think your being charged too much.

 

[Daithy]

Thanks guys!