Quote:
Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile
How the f*ck does increased electrical usage automatically get associated with home-growing hydroponics anyway? I mean, ANYTHING can cause a spike in usage (of electricity) - a new television, a second refrigerator, switching to electric heating from gas, an air conditioner. . . All these things have fairly substantial current draws. I wonder what inspires someone to look at the "bump" on your meter and say "oh, they're growing pot - go kick their door down!" Guilty until proven innocent? Or is there more to it than that? I'd think a bump in electrical use by itself wouldn't NEARLY rise to the level of probable cause necessary to get a warrant. . .
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Perhaps this has already been answered, but we are not talking about a "spike" in usage here. We are talking about an 8 or 10 fold (or more) increase in normal electricity consumption for a standard grow-op. That's why many jurisdictions have passed legislation that gives the police access to your utility bills. It's the easiest way to find a grow-op. And a 10 fold increase in electricity consumption is more than probable cause. It's a presumption.