Pubdate: Fri, 08 Nov 2002 Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON) Copyright: 2002, Canoe Limited Partnership. Contact: http://www.fyitoronto.com/torsun.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457 Author: Rob Lamberti, Toronto Sun POWER THIEVES ARE LEFT IN DARK York drug cops say Markham Hydro has saved $1.4 million this year by unplugging 163 homes that had bypassed fuse boxes and meters, most of them to feed marijuana growing operations. Hydro companies in Markham, Richmond Hill and Newmarket launched a program earlier this year that cuts the power to homes found stealing hydro. Possibility of Fire It's also a safety issue, since bypassed power isn't regulated by electrical panels, there's an increased possibility of fire. "They're doing a great job," vice squad Det. Mike Klimm said. It's estimated $72-million worth of electricity a year is stolen in the region and if the theft can't be recovered from the thieves, the difference is eventually made up by ratepayers. The companies estimate about $2,000 worth of electricity a month is stolen by each home rigged with a bypass around the electrical meter. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake