What to Do If a Neighbor Illegally Connects to Your Electricity Meter

An Israeli discovered that a neighbor had illegally connected to his electricity meter. The Electric Company refused to intervene, calling it a conflict between neighbors. Attorney Karin Shimon explains how to act: document the violation with a specialist, file a police complaint, demand compensation from the neighbor, and if necessary, go to court.

An Israeli faced a situation where an upstairs neighbor illegally connected to his electricity meter. The Electric Company ("Hevrat HaHashmal") refused to intervene, stating it was a "conflict between neighbors." Attorney Karin Shimon, an expert in neighbor disputes, recommends: obtain a written opinion from a qualified specialist, record the date of discovery, document the wiring condition with an electrician (photos, videos). Simultaneously, you can file a police complaint, but the outcome depends on evidence and police resources. With an expert opinion, you can demand the neighbor stop the connection, reimburse the stolen electricity, and restore the network at his expense. If the neighbor refuses, file a lawsuit demanding he cease the violation and cover legal costs. First and foremost, it is recommended to contact the Electric Company to check the safety of the connection.