Electricity bill increased 8 times because telecommunications network operator hung signal wires on electric poles incorrectly

In July 2025, Mr. Duong Van Tam's family, residing in Lien Vinh residential group, Hai Binh ward, Thanh Hoa province, received an electricity bill of up to 9.8 million VND, more than 8 times higher than the normal consumption in previous months. Upon inspection, electricity staff discovered that the cause was that telecommunications network staff had hung signal wires on electric poles in an incorrect technical manner.

Electricity industry intervenes promptly, customers are satisfied

During the closing period of electricity meter readings of households in the area in July 2025, the Nghi Son Regional Electricity Management Team discovered that Mr. Tam's household's meter readings were unusually high and immediately notified the family. During this period, the unit still issued invoices in accordance with regulations for Mr. Tam's household. Immediately after receiving the electricity bill, Mr. Tam proactively reported it to Thanh Hoa Electricity Company (PC Thanh Hoa) and the Nghi Son Regional Electricity Management Team for inspection and verification.

The telecommunications network employee hung the signal wire on the electric pole in an incorrect technical manner, tied it to the electric wire behind the meter and pulled it into Mr. Tam's house.

After receiving the feedback, the Director of Thanh Hoa PC directed the Nghi Son Regional Electricity Management Team to conduct a direct inspection at the scene. The inspection results showed that the wires behind the electricity meter, which are part of the customer's property and under the management of the customer, had damaged insulation, causing continuous electric leakage over a long period of time.

In particular, this is a rare case, showing that during the survey, it was discovered that the main cause was thatFPT Telecom Company employees had hung the signal wire on the electric pole in an incorrect technical manner, tied it to the electric wire from behind the meter and pulled it into Mr. Tam's house, combined with the hot weather and prolonged thunderstorms recently, which caused the network wire to rub against each other, causing abrasion and peeling off the insulation, causing a silent electric leak, and the amount of electricity leaked was recorded by the meter as Mr. Tam's household's consumption, which was completely accurate on the electricity industry's metering system.

As soon as the cause was determined, the Nghi Son Regional Power Management Team immediately supported the household to repair and fix the leak in the wiring system after the meter. At the same time, they worked with FPT Telecom Company, requiring the separation of the signal wiring system, the proper hanging of the equipment, ensuring no encroachment or impact on the power system, and taking responsibility for refunding the difference in the household's electricity bill. Along with that, the unit advised and instructed customers on how to identify leaks, how to monitor meter readings, and how to use electrical equipment safely and effectively.

Potential electrical leaks in many homes

According to electricity experts, electricity leakage is not a rare phenomenon and not only increases electricity bills but also poses a serious risk of fire and electrical short circuits, affecting people's lives and property.

It can be seen that in hot weather conditions, storms, combined with old equipment if not checked regularly, the risk of electric leakage is very likely to occur. Common causes include: Old wires, peeling insulation, especially wires hidden in the wall, bitten by rats, termites...; damaged electrical equipment, moisture or leaking shells, such as water heaters, pumps, air conditioners...; grounding systems do not meet technical standards, causing leakage current to escape into the environment; third-party equipment (such as telecommunications networks, advertising...) is improperly hung on electric poles, sharing the same source or indirectly affecting the civil system.

Nghi Son Regional Electricity Management Team staff inspected the scene and discovered the cause of the electrical leak.

Therefore, people need to pay attention to the following warning signs: Electricity bills increase abnormally, not commensurate with consumption; electrical equipment has a slight burning smell, radiates heat abnormally; wires emit heat even though there is no load or a small load; Circuit breakers/circuit breakers frequently turn off without clear cause...

The Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC) recommends that network operators and advertising units absolutely do not hang wires or equipment on electric poles without permission from the electricity industry or without a technical survey; do not tie or anchor them to household power lines or the electricity industry's main lines; periodically check the condition of telecommunication cables to ensure safety and avoid causing electric leakage or short circuits that affect the power grid.

EVNNPC recommends that people regularly check the wiring system after the meter periodically after 2 to 6 months from the time of installation and use; equip anti-leakage devices to promptly disconnect when there is leakage current; do not arbitrarily repair the electrical system if you do not have expertise, but contact the power unit; download and install the EVNNPC App. EVNNPC's customer service to proactively monitor the family's daily electricity consumption, for any questions, please contact the Northern Power Corporation Customer Service Center 19006769 or the phone number of the management unit, selling electricity directly in the area.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/Xa-hoi/tien-dien-tang-gap-8-lan-vi-nha-mang-vien-thong-treo-day-tin-hieu-len-cot-dien-khong-dung-quy-cach-i777270/