Any electricians on here? How much electricity use would tip you off to a "grow operation"?

Question

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Answer 1

Depends on your state...

Most now have laws requiring law enforcement to have a search warrant (IE, other reasons to suspect a grow operation) in order to look at the utility billing records.

But, typical lights are 250 to 400 watts each and use multiple lights. If the lights are on 24/7, a 250 lamp will consume approximately 180 kWh per month, 10 lights would then be 1,800 kWh/month, which ought to be very noticable, at least if you have bills showing the consumption prior to the suspected 'grow' equipment was installed.

A new tactic though, is to tap into the lines ahead of the meter to run the lights so the consumption doesn't show up.

Most utilities have power diversion departments now to try and track these down.

Answer 2

I'm not an electrician, but I know that if you got your electricity via a token meter (eg you buy tokens, put em in and get electricity) then unless you let a meter reader man in only you'll know how much electric you are using.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

The last couple of States I have lived in, included the last year consumption for the same time period on the bill. Should this increase significantly, the utilty may question it. Those covered up windows may alert the law.