PLN Jakarta Warns of Criminal Sanctions for Illegal Electricity Connections Linked to Fire Risk

State-owned electricity firm PLN’s Greater Jakarta Distribution Unit (UID Jakarta Raya) is intensifying public education regarding the dangers of illegal electricity connections still found in several densely populated areas. General Manager of PLN UID Jakarta Raya, Andy Adchaminoerdin, stated that the practice of unofficial power connections not only violates the law but also risks causing fires due to installations that fail to meet safety standards. “We continue to conduct inspections through 16 operational units while educating the public about the dangers of unofficial or illegal electricity connections,” he said on Wednesday (10/6). According to him, one frequently encountered issue is the use of cables that do not meet standards or lack adequate electrical conductivity quality. This condition has the potential to trigger short circuits that can lead to fires, especially in high-density residential areas. “We have found residents adding electricity flow with non-standard cables. Well, that is what can cause a potential short circuit,” he explained. Therefore, PLN continues to conduct socialisation and field inspections to prevent violations while minimising the risk of electrical accidents. He emphasised that using illegal electricity flow constitutes a violation of Law Number 30 of 2009 concerning Electricity. “If you use unofficial electricity, you are violating the law. The penalty is criminal,” he asserted. Besides the threat of criminal sanctions, customers proven to have used electricity illegally will also be subject to a back bill for the electrical energy that has been used. Separately, to enliven the 499th Anniversary of DKI Jakarta, PLN UID Jakarta Raya launched a promotional programme for adding electrical power with a 50 per cent cost reduction for household customers. The promotion runs from 10 to 23 June 2026 for low-voltage customers on the single-phase tariff group, with initial power starting from 450 VA, increasing power up to 7,700 VA within the working area of PLN UID Jakarta Raya. Customers can obtain the 50 per cent power upgrade discount by purchasing electricity tokens or paying electricity bills through the PLN Mobile application and entering the promotional code HUTDKI499. “The momentum of DKI Jakarta’s 499th Anniversary is an opportunity for PLN to deliver direct benefits to the community. Through this power upgrade promotion, we aim to provide convenience for customers who need larger electricity capacity to support daily activities, home-based businesses, and the use of increasingly diverse electrical equipment,” said Andy Adcha.