Power theft leads to grow operation


NFPA 70E Training

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:
$199
Coupon Price:
$149
Reserve Your Seat Today
Deputies seized nine marijuana plants worth $240,000 from a Cortez Avenue house and arrested a 34-year-old man who lived there.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said it got a tip that someone might be growing marijuana at the home of Michel A. Alvarez-Gonzalez.

When they arrived at the home about 4 p.m., deputies said they found two rooms had been fitted with lights, ballasts and fans, a secondary air conditioning unit had been installed, and the electric meter had been rigged to supply the machines with free electricity. The seized plants weighed a total of 62 pounds.

Alvarez-Gonzalez was charged with trafficking in marijuana, manufacture of marijuana, theft of electricity and possession for purpose of trafficking or selling.

He was being held in the Hillsborough County jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Related News

Rio Tinto Completes Largest Off-Grid Solar Plant in Canada's Northwest Territories

Rio Tinto Off-Grid Solar Power Plant showcases renewable energy at the Diavik Diamond Mine in…
View more

How utilities are using AI to adapt to electricity demands

AI Load Forecasting for Utilities leverages machine learning, smart meters, and predictive analytics to balance…
View more

BC Hydro says province sleeping in, showering less in pandemic

BC Hydro pandemic electricity trends reveal weekend-like energy consumption patterns: later morning demand, earlier evenings,…
View more

Trump's Proposal to Control Ukraine's Nuclear Plants Sparks Controversy

US Control of Ukraine Nuclear Plants sparks debate over ZNPP, Zaporizhzhia, sovereignty, safety, ownership, and…
View more

Secret Liberal cabinet document reveals Electricity prices to soar

Ontario Hydro Rate Relief Plan delivers short-term electricity bill cuts, while leaked cabinet forecasts show…
View more

Cheap material converts heat to electricity

Polycrystalline Tin Selenide Thermoelectrics enable waste heat recovery with ZT 3.1, matching single crystals while…
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