Yes. Under section 85 of the Electricity Act 1996 (SA), it is an offence to divert or abstract electricity from a power system without proper authority. It is also illegal to interfere with electricity meters or measuring devices.

The maximum penalty for unlawfully diverting electricity is a $20,000 fine or 2 years’ imprisonment, or both. This applies whether you directly diverted the electricity or interfered with the equipment used to measure usage.

Diverting electricity includes any unauthorised redirection of electricity flow from the power system. This can involve using illegal wiring, bypassing the meter, or tapping into a power supply not connected to your property.

Yes. Tampering with, bypassing, or modifying an electricity meter is a criminal offence under section 85 of the Electricity Act 1996 (SA), even if you do not directly divert the electricity. This includes actions that impact the measurement of electricity usage.

Yes. The offence focuses on the act of diverting or interfering, not necessarily whether electricity was ultimately used. If a device was installed or tampered with for the apparent purpose of diversion, you can still be charged.

If the landlord is the occupier or property owner and is shown to have knowledge or involvement in the diversion (or meter tampering), they may be held criminally responsible. However, liability depends on intent and knowledge.

To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove that:

• Electricity was diverted or a meter was interfered with, and
• You acted without proper authority, and
• You intended the act or were reckless about the outcome.

In some cases, intent is presumed if a diversion device is found on your property unless you can prove otherwise.

Yes. Courts may impose up to 2 years of imprisonment for unauthorised diversion or tampering. While first-time offenders may receive fines or good behaviour bonds, repeated or commercial-scale theft is more likely to result in jail time.

This refers to any unauthorised tampering with components like meters, wiring, fuses, or connectors that are part of the power system. Under section 69 of the Electricity Act, authorised officers can inspect, test, and even confiscate equipment as evidence of interference.

Under section 69 of the Electricity Act 1996 (SA), authorised officers may:

• Inspect and test meters or wiring
• Search premises
• Seize objects used to divert electricity
• Take photos or request identity documents
• Require people to attend interviews

Refusing to cooperate can result in a $20,000 fine.

Yes. If found guilty, electricity providers can apply to the court to recover compensation for lost electricity or equipment damage caused by the illegal diversion or meter tampering.

Yes. If the device was on your property and intended for diversion, it may be presumed you were responsible unless you provide proof to the contrary [section 85(3)]. This could include evidence of third-party installation or lack of access.

Yes. Under section 85(2), you must not install or maintain a power line that extends beyond your property boundaries unless:

• You are an electricity entity, or
• You have written approval from one.

Doing so can result in a $10,000 fine.

Some recognised defences include:

• No electricity was diverted or tampering did not occur
• Lack of intent (e.g., inadvertent installation or unintentional damage)
• You were not the occupier or did not authorise the diversion
• Someone else interfered without your knowledge

These matters are heard in the Magistrates Court of South Australia. Serious cases involving aggravating circumstances may attract higher scrutiny or be committed to higher courts for sentencing.

Electricity theft can take many forms. Common examples include:

1. Bypassing a smart meter to reduce reported power usage
2. Running a power line to another property or shed without approval
3. Illegal grow house setups, where tampered wiring is used to avoid detection or billing

Each of these actions is illegal under the Electricity Act 1996 (SA), and can result in prosecution, fines, or even jail time.