ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece's power network operator says it is doing its best to protect employees from irate consumers following a gunfire attack on one of its crews in Athens.

The Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator says nobody was injured in Monday's attack by a tavern owner who opened fire after first assaulting the technicians dispatched to remove the cable connecting his business to the network.

A company statement issued Tuesday said the tavern owner hadn't paid his electricity bills and had reconnected his business to the grid illegally after being disconnected several times in the past.

The company said the cable was removed after the man ran off, evading arrest.

Greece's seven-year financial crisis has led to a spike in customers having their service disconnected because of unpaid utility bills.