Is there a way to transfer electricity from one house to another?

Question

Somebody I know gets free electricity in their house and I was wondering if i could transfer that electricity to my house

We live 15 miles away so a simply cord is out of the question

and sugesstions/ways to get free electricity for cheap (including cheap solar panel sites) welcomed gladly

Answer 1

How are they getting free electricity?

I have heard of a fellow a while back who was living near some high voltage transmission lines.  He apparently ran a very long length of cable along close to the lines and was able to couple enough electricity out of the line that way to power his house.  Don't know if that's true or not but it was a funny story.  The company caught him doing it though as they noticed a loss and eventually checked the line.

Solar is an option but is not cheap on the installation...it does pay for itself over its life-cycle though so in the long run its a good option, its considered a green option but I'm a bit skeptical on how green it actually is (batteries, panels wearing out etc).  The electricity is free there, the equipment to obtain it isnt.

Instead of trying to get the electricity for cheap, I would suggest initally looking at ways to minimize your usage and dependancy on it.

Easiest option is to start with your lighting,  LED lights and halogens use far less power than their incandescent counterparts.  Not using power-hungry appliances is another step.  Doing things to your house to minimise the heating\cooling bill (if you require it) is another step in reducing your electricity dependancy.

The only way I can see you getting 'free' electricity is by stealing it, purchasing relatively expensive equipment to harness it or setting up a room with a bunch of bike generators and getting slaves to run them. and that's illegal (at least in australia anyway).

p.s....After reading the answer below:  I wasn't suggesting you go anywhere near high voltage lines, its dangerous.  Its just a funny story.

Answer 2

There is no way you can connect two houses 15 miles away. And if you were 10 ft away, it would be possible but illegal.

How do they get free electricity?

Enough solar arrays to power your house, with the other equipment needed will cost US$ 20k-50k.

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Answer 3

The power company does not allow this kind of connection.

Answer 4

If it free then he's stealing it.

DO NOT try to tap electricity from the power lines like the first answerer mentioned otherwise we'll see you on the news after you get killed.  Solar power is expensive and wind generators are too.  It takes years to break even.  Try conservation measures.  Buy those compact flourscent bulbs, ventilate your attic better, insulate the ceiling better, turn off lights that are not being used, lower the temperature on your water heater, raise the air conditioner temperature setting.  Stuff like that.