The theft of components from facilities belonging to the Montenegrin Electricity Distribution System, particularly in the municipalities of Berane and Andrijevica, continues. Following reports of power outages on the 10 kV “Kralje” (Andrijevica) and “Zaostro” (Berane) overhead lines, CEDIS teams determined that unidentified persons had stolen transformer oil from the “Gradišnica”, “Štitari 2” and “Rujišta” transformer stations, causing two transformers to burn out.
The direct damage caused to CEDIS amounts to approximately six thousand euros. We emphasise that, in addition to the material damage suffered by CEDIS, our customers supplied by the aforementioned overhead lines are left without electricity until the facilities are repaired, which can often take up to 48 hours.
Gradišnica pole-mounted substation without a transformer
At CEDIS, we are particularly concerned by the repeated damage to the same facilities, which has not led to the perpetrators being identified and sanctioned, despite our implementing all measures prescribed by law to protect our property and ensure a reliable electricity supply to customers.
The Gradišnica pole-mounted substation has been damaged four times, while a further five similar cases were recorded in the past two months in Region 3 (Berane, Andrijevica, Rožaje, Gusinje, Petnjica). The recent incidents at the “Rujišta”, “Gradišnica” and “Štitari 2” transformer stations have brought the number of thefts in the area to more than 50, recorded over the past three years.
Damaged transformer
CEDIS has reported these cases to the police, and criminal complaints have been filed against unidentified persons.
We emphasise that any unauthorised access to electricity facilities is extremely dangerous.
For negligible material gain, individuals put their lives at risk, disrupt the regular electricity supply and cause material damage that far exceeds any potential benefit.
Thieves most commonly target copper from transformers and lines, transformer oil, L-profiles from distribution network poles, as well as doors and windows at transformer stations.
We urge citizens to report any unauthorised activity at pole-mounted equipment and transformer stations to CEDIS or the Police Directorate, thereby helping to curb this high-risk form of theft. CEDIS will continue to implement all measures prescribed by law to protect its property and ensure a reliable electricity supply to customers.
