Messing with your gas or electricity meter isn’t a clever trick, it’s a guaranteed way to risk your life, your home, and your freedom.
When money is tight, ‘quick fixes’ like energy hacks can be tempting. But tampering with your gas or electricity meter to save money is extremely dangerous and illegal, even when done by a professional. Energy theft can lead to devastating consequences, from gas leaks and electrical fires to explosions, and even death. Meter tampering also drives up energy prices for everyone. Don’t fall for the scam. The real cost of an energy hack is far greater than your energy bill. It’s never worth the risk.
It’s Deadly
Tampering isn't a shortcut. It's a one way ticket to danger, prosecution, and lasting damage.
Many households are struggling to stay warm while keeping up with energy bills. But taking shortcuts by tampering with your energy meter is never the answer. The safety of your household is priceless. If you’re finding it hard to make ends meet, there are safe and legal ways to reduce your energy bills and get support. Explore these resources that can make a difference.
Tampering with electricity meters to save money is extremely dangerous. Look out for these signs. If you spot any of these signs, report them 100% anonymously.
Meter reading does not increase when electricity is being used, or screen is blank
Meter shows credit has run out, but electricity is still available
A burning smell, smoke, or sparks near the meter
Cables or wires that are bare, twisted together or connected in an unusual way
Meter casing, screws or cables may be broken, missing, melted or have burn marks. Cables may have been disconnected
Meter is missing or has been replaced without authorisation
Gas meter cheating can take many forms, even smart meters can be unsafe if tampered with. Sometimes it can be hard to tell but here are some clues to look out for around your meter. If you spot any of these signs, report them 100% anonymously.
Meter is facing backwards so display is unreadable, or pipes have been connected the wrong way round.
Meter shows credit has run out, but gas is still available
Meter is missing or has been replaced without authorisation.
Rubber tubing or metal pipes are around or in place of the meter
No visible dial or counter, and there may be a hole or cogs showing. Reading doesn’t increase with gas use, or screen is blank – even when button is pressed
A smell of gas near the meter box
The harm from energy theft is all around you.
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Electricity meter tampering can cause electrical fires and electrocutions. To find out more about the danger of electricity theft click here
Gas explosions can happen when as little as 5-15% of gas gets mixed into the surrounding air in a room. If a gas meter is tampered with it can cause gas leaks within a property which risk fires and catastrophic explosions. To find out more about the danger of gas theft click here.
Although it can be hard to spot the signs of gas theft, here are some things to look out for. This list is not exhaustive and if you have suspicions of anything that is not on the list below you should still always report it:
Although it can be hard to spot the signs of electricity theft, here are some things to look out for. This list is not exhaustive and if you have suspicions of anything that is not on the list below you should still always report it:
Tampering with electricity meters can lead to electric shocks, fires, and even fatalities. Read about the dangers of electricity meter tampering.
A tampered or bypassed gas meter can lead to serious dangers such as gas leaks, as gas fumes build up in a room it displaces the air causing headaches and even loss of consciousness. Gas is also highly flammable and can cause fires or explosions with just one spark.
Yes, bypassing or tampering with an electricity meter is illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences. Why you shouldn't bypass your meter.
Report it immediately to avoid serious safety hazards. Report gas meter tampering.
If you discover electricity theft, report it immediately to ensure safety and prevent potential hazards. Reporting electricity theft.
If you notice suspicious workers or unusual activity digging near power cables in the street, check your local council website or contact them to confirm whether the street works have been authorised. If no permit is in place, note the nearest address, and report it to Stay Energy Safe.
If you notice suspicious workers or unusual activity digging near gas pipes in the street, check your local council website or contact them to confirm whether the street works have been authorised. If no permit is in place, note the nearest address, and report it to Stay Energy Safe.
If you spot energy theft anywhere, speak up anonymously now.
Or Call 0800 023 2777
