Energy theft is a crime that often goes unnoticed, but it’s all around us. Energy theft is when people tamper with their electricity or gas meter installations – or remove the meter completely – to lower their energy bills. This is not only a crime but also extremely dangerous. It puts you, your loved ones and communities in danger.
We have put together a fact sheet that brings the realities of energy theft to life.
ENERGY THEFT IS ON THE RISE
- There has been a 304% increase in reports since 2018 with 12,653 reports of energy theft being passed on in 2024.
- We have seen an increase in reports every year since the Stay Energy Safe service was launched in 2016. This shows that more and more people are understanding the dangers of energy theft and are speaking up to stay safe.
- Stay Energy Safe figures show that through the charity alone, there were 13,415 reports of energy theft in the year 2024/25. In the year 2023/24, Stay Energy Safe received 11,094 reports, and 11,840 in the year 2022/23, up from 7,694 reports in the year 2021/22.
- It is estimated that up to 250,000 cases of energy theft still go unreported every year.
- It is also estimated that energy theft is occurring in up to 1 in 150 homes every year. (Source: Energy UK)
- A 2023 study by Direct Line business insurance found 43% of electricians and gas engineers have been asked by customers to tamper with their meters. (Source: Direct Line Group)
- 92% of the electricians and gas engineers surveyed believe that increased energy costs have led to more people looking to make their meters run slowly to save money on energy. (Source: Direct Line Group)
THE COST OF ENERGY THEFT
- Energy theft costs consumers up to £1.4 billion every year. (Source: Retail Energy Code Company)
- This adds around £50 a year to every paying customer’s bills. (Source: Retail Energy Code Company)
Energy theft is a crime, and it could lead to serious consequences. You could face up to 5 years in prison and a £2,000 fine, but this could be a lot higher depending on the scale of the theft and the damage caused to the wider community.
You will also have to pay for the energy that's been stolen and for any work that needs to be undertaken to make the meter installation safe or to replace the meter where necessary.
If you suspect energy theft, you can report it 100% anonymously, 24/7, 365 days a year on 0800 023 2777 or by filling out the online form.
We don’t see your phone number or IP address, so we can’t track anything back to your device. All we ask is that you provide the details of where you think the energy theft is taking place, along with anything else you know. Even the smallest piece of information could save lives.
Speak Up. Stay Safe.