Staying Energy Safe
Electricity theft is when someone illegally tampers with their electricity meter or its connections so that it does not properly record the electricity used. This is extremely dangerous and can cause injuries and in some cases fatalities. If you know people who are struggling to pay their bills, and who may be thinking about ways to reduce them, there are plenty of options to ensure they do this safely.
Report Energy Theft
Energy theft is dangerous. It puts you and your loved ones in danger. If someone you know is tampering with their gas or electricity meter, make sure you report it 100% anonymously here.
1. Dangers and Consequences
Electricity theft can pose great dangers to you, your loved ones and your community. Tampering with electricity meters can lead to electrocutions and severe burns, it can also make appliances ‘live’ to the touch. It can also cause electrical fires as exposed wires and loose connections can get very hot. An electrical fire doesn’t only affect anyone in the property where the meter tampering takes place, but also those in neighbouring properties and within close proximity. For example a Nottinghamshire pub that was put at risk of fire having had its electricity meter bypassed put the tenant living above it in serious danger.
Read more about the dangers of electricity and gas theft.
2. It Can be Anyone
Anyone is capable of committing electricity theft, from your neighbours or landlord to owners of commercial businesses. If others have access to your meter, you should check your meter regularly for any signs of tampering. If the meter is locked away and you are denied access to it and/or if your rent includes bills, it is possible that the meter has been tampered with. Read more on how to spot a meter cheater.
3. Identifying Signs of Electricity Theft
Electricity theft can be tricky to spot, as in most cases you will need to have access to the meter to be able to spot the signs that it has been tampered with. These signs include loose or unusual wiring, sparks coming from the meter or burn marks or scorches on the meter. We have an extensive guide on how to spot meter tampering on your electricity or gas meter, in your home or in your local community.
4. It can Impact Communities
Electricity theft doesn’t just affect the person committing it, but it can impact everyone around them. The electricity thief, no matter what their intention is, is putting innocent lives at risk. An electrical fire can put all the properties around it in danger injuring people living or working there, destroying homes and businesses, and, in some cases, causing death. Like in this tragic case where a son who bypassed the electricity meter to save money on bills, ended up causing his mother’s death.
In another example, an employee was electrocuted in the shower due to the business owner bypassing the electricity meter. This led to the tragic death of the innocent employee.
Learn more about how energy theft impacts people and communities.
5. Link to Organised Crime
Electricity theft can be associated with criminal activities including people trafficking, prostitution and other crimes like the cultivation of cannabis (cannabis farms). Cannabis farms are often easy to spot if you look out for some key signs like smell or warmth. Read our guide on what to do if you suspect a grow house.
6. Punishment for Bypassing Meters
Energy theft is not only extremely dangerous and puts lives at risk, but is also a crime. Tampering, exchanging or removing meters, without the suppliers permission, is illegal and it can lead to serious fines or prison time. Depending on the scale of theft, you could face up to 5 years in prison and a big fine. You will also need to pay for any damage caused, for the energy that has been stolen, and for any works an engineer needs to undertake in order to fix or replace the tampered meter.
Due to the current tough economic times, there has been an increase in energy related scams that promise reduced energy costs by illegally tampering or removing your meter. Learn more about these scams and how you can protect yourself from the dangers they pose.
Reporting Energy Theft
If you suspect electricity or gas theft you can report it using our online form or by calling 0800 023 2777. We are here to help keep you and your loved ones safe 24/7, 365 days a year and you can remain 100% anonymous.