70 families in Samoa are being investigated by the police for tampering with their power meters.
This comes after the Electric Power Corporation followed allegations of people using electricity without paying for it.
The responsible minister, Manu'alesagalala Enokati Posala, has told parliament the police investigation could find criminal offending.
Meanwhile, the opposition Tautua Samoa party has raised concerns over proposed power hikes.
Its leader, Palusalue Faapo II, says one reason behind the meter tampering could be the high cost of electricity.
