Power Company Clears Meter in Abandoned House Bill Mystery
Udon Thani's electricity authority cleared a homeowner's meter of defects after he reported unusually high bills on an abandoned house, but discovered cut external power lines and suspects copper theft during investigation.
At 8:30 AM on September 18, 2025, Adul Mitthasaa, director of Udon Thani Provincial Electricity Authority, revealed that after homeowner Somthawil Talakul reported abnormally high electricity bills despite his house being abandoned and unoccupied for approximately six years, the authority conducted a meter inspection at the meter department of the Regional Electricity Authority Zone 1 in Udon Thani Province.
The inspection found the meter to be in normal working condition with proper accuracy, showing no defects in the meter itself. However, during the house inspection, staff discovered that external power lines had been cut.
To thoroughly investigate the unusually high electricity charges, the authority must conduct a detailed on-site inspection of the electrical system and usage inside the house. The homeowner reported that electrical appliances may have been removed from the property, and there are suspicions of copper wire theft, with a report already filed at Muang Udon Thani Police Station.
These matters remain under investigation and cannot yet be confirmed. The homeowner and electricity authority staff must jointly inspect the premises and gather evidence to reach clear conclusions. A reporter who visited the house found it located in Ban Chan Subdistrict, Muang District, with dense vegetation and a locked door, preventing staff from freely accessing the interior.
Initial inspection revealed an electrical current leak, leading authorities to cut power to prevent danger to life and property. Udon Thani Provincial Electricity Authority has scheduled a joint site inspection with homeowner Somthawil on September 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM to examine the electrical system condition, wiring, internal electrical usage, and all issues reported by the homeowner to obtain accurate and clear information.
The authority emphasizes the importance of fair public service and complaint investigation. Full details and findings will be provided after the September 21 site visit. Officials confirmed the meter tested normal, but the cause of high electricity charges must still be verified on-site.
