What is the ruling on connecting electricity to an apartment above the father's house without the knowledge of the electricity company, given the unavailability of the exorbitant cost of a meter, with the intention to pay for it later, and limiting usage to only what is needed?

Connecting to and consuming electricity without the knowledge of the responsible authority is not permissible, because it constitutes an unlawful encroachment upon property. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, there are men who delve into Allah's property without right; for them is the Fire on the Day of Resurrection." Furthermore, random connections can cause damage, which is prohibited by the Hadith: "There shall be no harm nor reciprocating harm." The aforementioned reasons do not justify the act, and the perpetrator must repent and rectify their conduct.