Man shocked stealing power, police find meth lab


CSA Z462 Arc Flash Training – Electrical Safety Compliance Course

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 6 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$249
Coupon Price:
$199
Reserve Your Seat Today
A man who was shocked by 7,200 volts of electricity while trying to rig an unmetered power line to his house is hospitalized, and charges are pending for theft and for a methamphetamine lab deputies found in his house.

Franklin County sheriff's deputies said that Roy Donald Achterberg suffered internal injuries from the shock and a 30-foot fall from a ladder. Sheriff's Investigator Robert Limbocker say Achterberg broke his pelvis, neck and some ribs after he plunged 30 feet outside his home in Branch.

Limbocker said the electricity entered Achterberg through a hand and left through one of his feet.

"He's been stealing electricity for a number of years now," Limbocker said.

Achterberg's electricity had been disconnected from his transformer, so he tried to rig a line to the main line, which is when he was shocked, Limbocker said. Oklahoma Gas and Electric disconnected the transformer after repeated theft attempts by Achterberg, Limbocker said.

After the incident, deputies obtained a search warrant for Achterberg's residence and found the apparent meth lab inside, Limbocker said.

Related News

When did BC Hydro really know about Site C dam stability issues? Utilities watchdog wants to know

BC Utilities Commission Site C Dam Questions press BC Hydro on geotechnical risks, stability issues,…
View more

Group to create Canadian cyber standards for electricity sector IoT devices

Canadian Industrial IoT Cybersecurity Standards aim to unify device security for utilities, smart grids, SCADA,…
View more

N.L. lags behind Canada in energy efficiency, but there's a silver lining to the stats

Newfoundland and Labrador Energy Efficiency faces low rankings yet signs of progress: heat pumps, EV…
View more

EDF and France reach deal on electricity prices-source

EDF Nuclear Power Price Deal sets a 70 euros/MWh reference price, adds consumer protection if…
View more

Taiwan's economic minister resigns over widespread power outage

Taiwan Power Blackout disrupts Taipei and commercial hubs after a Taoyuan natural gas plant error,…
View more

Ukraine Resumes Electricity Exports

Ukraine Electricity Exports resume as the EU grid links stabilize; ENTSO-E caps, megawatt capacity, renewables,…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Download the 2026 Electrical Training Catalog

Explore 50+ live, expert-led electrical training courses –

  • Interactive
  • Flexible
  • CEU-cerified