by Rocheford T Gardiner
HARPER, Maryland County — The management of LIBENERGY has sounded the alarm over a sharp increase in electricity theft across Harper and Pleebo. Following weeks of intensive inspections that uncovered widespread illegal connections and meter tampering, the utility provider has begun aggressive legal proceedings against offenders.The InvestigationThe findings were the result of a comprehensive meter inspection exercise conducted from January 25 to February 13, 2026. The operation revealed systematic power theft in both urban centers, leading to immediate enforcement actions.Arrests and Legal ActionsLIBENERGY confirmed that several individuals are already facing the consequences of illegal activity:Pleebo: Three individuals were apprehended. Two cases have been successfully transitioned to court, while one remains under legal review.Harper: Nine suspects were arrested. While investigations continue, two individuals are currently serving sentences at the Harper Central Prison.Management’s StanceIn a statement issued under the leadership of Manager Henry Hodge, LIBENERGY emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward utility crimes.“Electricity theft is a felony offense. Anyone caught in the act will be prosecuted in accordance with the law, without exception.”The management further cautioned community leaders and stakeholders against intervening on behalf of offenders. The company stressed that attempts to influence these cases undermine the rule of law and threaten the sustainability of electricity service delivery in the region.The Impact of Power TheftLIBENERGY highlighted that the consequences of illegal connections extend beyond lost revenue. Key impacts include:Infrastructure Damage: Illegal taps cause physical damage to transformers and lines, leading to frequent outages.Operational Costs: Increased maintenance costs ultimately burden paying customers.Service Reliability: Power theft “kills the economy of the service provider” and weakens the overall stability of the Maryland Grid.A Call to ActionThe utility is calling on citizens and community stakeholders to join the fight by reporting suspicious activities and advocating for lawful connections. LIBENERGY maintains that protecting the grid is a shared responsibility essential for the economic growth of Maryland County.