The network and facilities of the Montenegrin Electricity Distribution System are constantly targeted by thieves.
We wish to inform the public that, over the past two days, teams in Cetinje discovered that four 10/0.4 kV transformers, rated at 630 kVA and 1,000 kVA, had been stolen.
The transformers were part of the following 10/0.4 kV substations: MBTS Pobjeda, Sanitas, Crkveni sud-Vladin dom and TS Nova pijaca.
We emphasise that each of the aforementioned substations had two transformers, one in operation and the other serving as a backup if needed. This indicates that the perpetrators knew what they were doing. This offence has been reported to the Police Directorate, Cetinje branch, and we expect the perpetrators to be identified and brought to justice.
We emphasise that any unauthorised access to electricity infrastructure is extremely dangerous. For little financial gain, individuals risk their lives, disrupt the regular supply of electricity and cause material damage that far exceeds any potential profit.
CEDIS teams conduct unscheduled inspections of facilities and the network. However, it is not possible to maintain constant surveillance of approximately 5,000 substations and more than 20,000 kilometres of overhead lines across Montenegro.
We emphasise that the risk to public safety in the event of theft of components from a substation is extremely high.
We urge citizens to refrain from such actions and to report any unauthorised activity on the distribution network and at its facilities to the local CEDIS on-call service.
