A Glenwood neighbourhood resident has been charged after Winnipeg police allege she bypassed an MB Hydro load limiter and stole electricity for more than two weeks.
According to the Winnipeg Police Service, MB Hydro contacted officers in late March after discovering a customer’s hydro meter had been tampered with. Investigators learned that on March 12, MB Hydro installed a load limiter at the woman’s home due to non‑payment. The device restricts electrical use to essential heating during winter months.
When a Hydro employee returned on March 25 to remove the limiter—after the account had been paid—they discovered it had already been forcibly removed. Police say the meter had been electrically bypassed, allowing the resident to consume power without paying between March 12 and March 30. The matter was forwarded to the Property Crime Unit for investigation.
On April 15, investigators arrested a 46‑year‑old woman without incident. She is charged with Mischief Under $5,000 and Theft Under $5,000. She was released on an Appearance Notice and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
MB Hydro says diverting or bypassing hydro meters is illegal and dangerous. The utility reports a significant increase in meter‑tampering incidents and will now forward such cases to the Property Crime Unit for thorough investigation, which may result in criminal charges, fines, or imprisonment.
