HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - November 7, 2012 C-07s
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AGENDA ITEM
CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
Im
AGENDA TITLE: Adopt Resolution Supporting the Stop Theft of PowerAct
MEETING DATE: November7,2012
PREPARED BY: Electric Utility Director
RECOMMENDEDACTION: Adopt a resolution supporting the Stop Theft of PowerAct.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The diversion of electricity is a misdemeanor under Penal Code
Section 498. Electric Utility staff, in conjunction with the City
Manager and the City Attorney, is advocating tougher penalties
for the theft of electricity, specifically by enhancing the civil penalty associated with this crime to three
times the estimated value of the diverted utility services. The intent of this legislative proposal is to
increase the penalties significantly, thus serving as a more serious deterrent to this crime.
The theft or diversion of electricity is both illegal and potentially fatal. According to federal crime
statistics, the theft of electricity and other "utilities" (such as cable, telecommunications and natural gas)
is a multi -billion crime in America annually, ranking third to credit card and auto theft. Since July of 2011,
the total identified energy theft in Lodi was $44,271.50. This figure does not include energy stolen as
part of another crime committed in our community.
Staff is seeking support from the Lodi City Council to pursue a legislative proposal that will strengthen
penalties associated with energy theft diversion. City of Lodi staff will then coordinate and further
develop this proposal with staff from the California Municipal Utilities Association and the Northern
California PowerAgency, for introduction as state legislation in 2013.
FISCAL IMPACT: By strengthening California law, the financial losses incurred by the City of Lodi
from energy theft could decrease, as tougher penaltieswould serve as a deterrent
to persons either stealing powertoday, or considering it in the future.
FUNDING: Not applicable.
Ii beth A. rkley
Electric Utility Director
PREPARED BY: Rob Lechner, Customer Service & Programs Manager
EK/RSUIst
Bartlam, City Manager
RESOLUTION NO. 2012-174
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL IN -
SUPPORT OF THE STOP THEFT OF POWER ACT, A
LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL DEVELOPED BY THE CITY
OF LODI ELECTRIC UTILITY DEPARTMENT AND THE
CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL UTILITIES ASSOCIATION
WHEREAS, the theft of electricity is unsafe, illegal, and constitutes a multi -billion
dollar crime in America today; and
WHEREAS, energy theft in Lodi, California, is also a significant challenge, with
losses exceeding $44,000 since July 2011; and
WHEREAS, under current California statute, the theft of electricity is a
misdemeanor; and
WHEREAS, City of Lodi staff is proposing to enhance the civil penalties
associated with this crime to three times the estimated value of the diverted utility
services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council does hereby
adopt a Resolution supporting the "Stop Theft of Power (STOP) Act," a legislative
proposal that would enhance penalties associated with the theft of electricity in the Lodi
community and statewide if eventually adopted by the California State Legislature and
the Governor of the State of California.
Dated: November 7, 2012
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I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2012-174 was passed and adopted by the
City Council of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held November 7, 2012, by the
following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Hansen, Johnson, Katzakian, and
Mayor Mounce
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Nakanishi
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
RANDIJOHL
City Clerk
2012-174