A person may not intentionally, knowingly or recklessly damage, destroy or tamper with property of a utility having no reasonable grounds to believe that the person has a right to do so if such conduct creates a risk of interruption or impairment of services rendered to the public or causes a substantial interruption or impairment of services rendered to the public. A person who violates this section is liable in a civil action to the utility owning the property affected for:

1. 1. Cost of repair or replacement The cost of repair or replacement of the utility property, as necessary;

   [PL 2007, c. 553, §3 (NEW).]

2. 2. Other costs All other reasonable costs to the utility, including attorney's fees and costs of undertaking and completing the investigation resulting in a determination of liability under this section; and

   [PL 2007, c. 553, §3 (NEW).]

3. 3. Civil penalty A civil penalty not to exceed $3,000 due and payable to the utility for each violation of this section.

   [PL 2021, c. 318, §10 (AMD).]

PL 2007, c. 553, §3 (NEW). PL 2021, c. 318, §10 (AMD).